NHL Players

20 Tallest Hockey Players In The League Right Now

By Kapil Sapkota / 20 December 2023 04:47 AM

Source : instagram

NHL players are elite athletes exhibiting a combination of physical attributes and skills contributing to their success. Their height is always a concern among the fans.

A tall height can offer certain advantages in specific areas of ice hockey. Taller players have longer reaches and better stickhandling.

Likewise, a taller player has better observation in the game and can easily deflect the shot.

While players with specific height characteristics may benefit from certain positions, other factors, such as skill, speed, agility, and hockey sense, are equally crucial.

1. Tyler Myers - 6'8"

  • Age: 33 Years
  • Weight: 229 lb (104 kg)
  • Position: Defence
  • NHL team: Vancouver Canucks

Source : facebook

The Vancouver Canucks defenseman, Tyler Myers is the tallest player currently in the league. He was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the 2008 Entry Draft.

Myers is famous as "Chaos Giraffe" among the Canucks fans. The defenseman recorded 17 points for the Nucks in the 2022-23 season.

2. Ben Bishop - 6'7"

  • Age: 37 Years
  • Weight: 225 lb (102 kg)
  • Position: Goaltender
  • NHL Team: Buffalo Sabres

Source : facebook

Bishop is the tallest NHL goaltender ever to play along with Mikko Koskinen and Mads Sogaard at 6'7". The goalie is a three-time Vezina Trophy finalist as the league's best netminder.

The St. Louis Blues selected Ben in the 2005 Entry Draft and debuted with the team in the 2008-09. In 2016, the goalie was selected for the NHL All-Star Game while playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

3. Jamie Oleksiak - 6'7"

  • Age: 30
  • Weight: 255 lb (116 kg)
  • Position: Defence
  • NHL team: Seattle Kraken

Source : instagram

The Canadian defenseman currently skates for the Kraken. He was drafted into the NHL by the Dallas Stars in 2011.

Jamie was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the mid-2017-18 season and returned to the Stars after skating in 36 games with the Penguins in the 2018-19 season.

In July 2021, Oleksiak was selected by the Kraken franchise. Jamie earned his career-high 9 goals and 25 points with the Kraken in the 2022-23 season.

4. Mikko Koskinen - 6'7"

  • Age: 35
  • Weight: 209 lb (95 kg)
  • Position: Goaltender
  • NHL Team: Edmonton Oilers

Source : facebook

The Finnish goaltender Mikko Koskinen's physical presence in the goal crease is hard to overlook. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 7 inches, he is one of the biggest players in the NHL.

Drafted by the New York Islanders in 2009, Mikko began his NHL journey in the 2010-11 season playing in 4 games with the team.

Koskinen joined the Oilers in the 2018-19 season. Currently, he holds an 85-60-13 record with a .906 save percentage and 3.01 GAA playing in 168 NHL games.

5. Victor Hedman - 6'6"

  • Age: 32
  • Height: 6 ft 7 in (201 cm)
  • Position: Defence
  • NHL team: Tampa Bay Lightning

Source : facebook

The towering Swedish defenseman, Hedman has emerged as the strongest player for Tampa Bay. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, his imposing frame is matched only by his on-ice abilities.

Drafted second overall by the Lightning in 2009, he quickly became an integral part of the team's defensive core.

In 2018, Hedman won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the league's best defenseman. He became the Stanley Cup champion with the Lightning consecutively in 2020 and 2021.

6. Jacob Markstrom - 6'6"

  • Age: 33
  • Weight: 196 lb (89 kg)
  • Position: Goaltender
  • NHL team: Calgary Flames

Source : facebook

The Swedish goaltending sensation, Jacob Markstrom has made a profound impact on the NHL with his exceptional skills and resilience.

Markstrom's journey to the NHL began with the Florida Panthers, who selected him in the second round of the 2008 NHL Draft.

Jacob signed with the Calgary Flames in 2020 and instantly became a key figure in their quest for success. He was a Vezina Trophy finalist for the 2021-22 season.

7. Dougie Hamilton - 6'6"

  • Age: 30
  • Weight: 229 lb (104 kg)
  • Position: Defence
  • NHL team: New Jersey Devils

Source : facebook

Dougie Hamilton is a standout figure in the league with his dynamic play, offensive expertise, and overall impact on the game.

A current player of the New Jersey Devils, Dougie was selected ninth overall by the Boston Bruins in 2011. He later played for the Calgary Flames and the Carolina Hurricanes.

Hamilton has established himself as one of the league's premier defensemen over the years. He has totaled 445 NHL points with 137 goals from 751 career games.

8. Nikita Zadorov - 6'6"

  • Age: 28
  • Weight: 235 lb (107 kg)
  • Position: Defence
  • NHL team: Vancouver Canucks

Source : facebook

Zadorov has emerged as a reliable blueliner in the NHL. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, the defenseman is a formidable force on the ice.

The Buffalo Sabres selected Nikita in the first round of the 2013 NHL Draft. After spending over two seasons with the Sabres, he joined the Colorado Avalanche before the 2015-16 season.

Zadorov skated the 2020-21 season with the Chicago Blackhawks and signed with the Calgary Flames as a free agent in August 2021.

9. Nicholas Hague - 6'6"

Source : facebook

A promising young defenseman, Nicholas has been making waves in the league with his impressive skill and talent. He was selected in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft by the Golden Knights.

Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, Hague possesses a rare combination of size and skill that is increasingly valued in the modern NHL.

Hague won the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023. He contributed 17 points in the regular season and 6 in the playoffs helping the team to win the title.

10. Jordan Greenway - 6'6"

  • Age: 26
  • Weight: 229 lb (104 kg)
  • Position: Left wing
  • NHL Team: Buffalo Sabres

Source : facebook

Jordan Greenway has become a notable presence in the NHL with his combination of size, skill, and versatility. He was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the second round of the 2015 Entry Draft.

Greenway was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in March 2023. He has been part of the United States national team representing at the World Junior Championships and IIHF World U18 and U17 Championships.

11. Adin Hill - 6'6"

  • Age: 27
  • Weight: 202 lb (92 kg)
  • Position: Goaltender
  • NHL team: Vegas Golden Knights

Source : facebook

The Arizona Coyotes selected Hill in the 2015 Entry Draft. The talented goaltender has emerged as a rising star in the league.

Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, Hill possesses the physical attributes of a modern NHL goaltender. Adin joined the San Jose Sharks in 2021 further solidifying his position as a goaltender with great potential.

He was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in August 2022 and played a key role in the team's Stanley Cup victory.

12. Brent Burns - 6'5"

  • Age: 38
  • Weight: 230 lb (104 kg)
  • Position: Defence / Right wing
  • NHL team: Carolina Hurricanes

Source : facebook

The Canadian player, Burns was selected as a right-wing at the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota Wild. Later, he was converted into a defenceman and currently plays for the Carolina Hurricanes.

Burns won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman in 2017. The defenseman has been named to six NHL All-Star Games to date.

13. Patrik Laine - 6'5"

  • Age: 25
  • Weight: 206 lb (93 kg)
  • Position: Forward
  • NHL team: Columbus Blue Jacket

Source : facebook

The Finnish ice hockey prodigy, Patrik Laine has emerged as one of the most electrifying goal-scorers in the NHL. The Winnipeg Jets drafted him second overall in 2016.

Laine amassed an impressive 36 goals in his rookie season in 2016-17 and was nominated for the Calder Trophy. He was named to his first NHL All-Star Game in 2017.

He was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2021, marking a new chapter in his career.

14. Blake Wheeler - 6'5"

  • Age: 37
  • Weight: 225 lb (102 kg)
  • Position: Right-wing
  • NHL Team: New York Rangers

Source : facebook

The former captain of the Winnipeg Jets, Wheeler has established himself as a dynamic force in the league. He was drafted fifth overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in 2004.

Blake's NHL journey began in the 2008-09 season with the Boston Bruins. He joined the Atlanta Thrashers / Winnipeg Jets franchise in July 2011.

The right winger was named to the NHL All-Star Game consecutively in 2018 and 2019.

15. Brandon Carlo - 6'5"

  • Age: 27
  • Weight: 218 lb (99 kg)
  • Position: Defense
  • Shoots: Right
  • NHL team: Boston Bruins

Source : facebook

Brandon Carlo was selected by the Boston Bruins in the 2015 Entry Draft. Since then, he has been a great defenseman for the Bruins organization.

Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, Carlo makes an imposing presence on the blue line and makes crucial defensive plays.

At the end of the NHL 2019-20 season, Carlo had four goals, 19 points, and a +16 rating. The Bruins awarded him the Eddie Shore Award for his exceptional hustle and determination.

16. Ryan Graves - 6'5"

  • Age: 28
  • Weight: 226 lb (103 kg)
  • Position: Defence
  • NHL Team: Pittsburgh Penguins

Source : facebook

The Canadian defenseman currently plays in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The New York Rangers drafted Ryan in the 2013 NHL Draft.

Graves debuted in the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche in the 2018-19 season.

Ryan skated three seasons with the Avalanche and he was traded to the New Jersey Devils in July 2021. He spent two full seasons with the Devils and signed with the Penguins as a free agent in July 2023.

17. Kevin Hayes - 6'5"

  • Age: 31
  • Weight: 220 lb (100 kg)
  • Position: Center / Right wing
  • NHL team: St. Louis Blues

Source : facebook

The skilled center for the St. Loius Blues, Hayes has carved a niche for himself in the NHL. He was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010.

Kevin debuted in the league with the New York Rangers in the 2014-15 season and established himself as a reliable forward.

He played over four seasons with the Rangers and was traded to the Winnipeg Jets in March 2019. Kevin played his NHL All-Star Game in 2023 and was traded by the Flyers to the St. Loius Blues in June 2023.

18. Adam Lowry - 6'5"

  • Age: 30
  • Weight: 205 lb (93 kg)
  • Position: Centre
  • NHL team: Winnipeg Jets

Source : facebook

A skilled center and the captain of the Winnipeg Jets, Adam Lowry has earned a reputation as a hard-nosed and dependable forward in the league. The Jets selected Lowry in the 2011 Entry Draft.

Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, his imposing presence is felt on both ends of the ice. Lowry is recognized for his ability to win crucial faceoffs, kill penalties, and contribute offensively when needed.

19. Mike Smith - 6'5"

  • Age: 41
  • Weight: 220 lb (100 kg)
  • Position: Goaltender
  • NHL Team: Free agent

Source : facebook

Currently, the NHL goaltender Mike Smith is an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played for the Edmonton Oilers. Smith was drafted in 2001 by the Dallas Stars.

The netminder was named to the NHL All-Star Game consecutively in 2017 and 2018. He currently holds a 299-263-0-78 record with a .912 save percentage and 2.70 GAA having played in 670 NHL games.

20. Scott Mayfield - 6'5"

Source : facebook

Drafted by the New York Islanders in 2011, Mayfield gradually climbed the ranks within the organization and earned his spot as a reliable defenseman. 

Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, his imposing stature is matched by a robust playing style that includes solid defensive plays, shot-blocking skills, and the ability to contribute offensively when needed.

The defenseman has accumulated 111 points including 25 goals from 428 regular season games.