While speed is a defining characteristic of the modern NHL, players who possess both speed and exceptional size can be truly formidable. Gone are the days when slow, towering defensemen could simply rely on obstruction; today’s game demands more.
The average National Hockey League player now measures just over 6-foot-1 and weighs 198 pounds. This marks a significant increase from the 1944-45 season, when the average player was 5-foot-10 and 174 pounds – a transformation that suggests a ‘Captain America Super-Soldier Serum’ effect on the league’s athletes.
Curious about the largest individuals currently competing in the NHL? Below is a list of the top seven players identified by their impressive height and weight.
Anthony Stolarz
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 248 pounds
Anthony Stolarz, now the starting goaltender for the Toronto Maple Leafs, has forged an impressive path in the NHL, settling into a thriving role in Toronto after playing for several teams. He stands as the league’s largest netminder, with a commanding presence at 6-foot-6 and 248 pounds. This substantial build allows him to cover a significant portion of the net when positioned correctly. Despite his size, Stolarz exhibits remarkable agility, showcasing strong lateral movements and the ability to execute challenging, athletic saves.
Aliaksei Protas – Washington Capitals
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 250 pounds
The Washington Capitals appear to have unearthed a valuable prospect in Aliaksei Protas, selected in the third round of the 2019 NHL Draft. Protas has evolved into a swift, top-six forward, boasting an impressive physical stature. The Belarusian forward hit the 30-goal mark in the 2024-25 season and is expected to maintain similar scoring levels throughout his career. Having already secured championships in both the WHL and AHL, a Stanley Cup is the next significant achievement for his growing resume.
Alex Ovechkin – Washington Capitals
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 238 pounds
Alex Ovechkin, a quintessential power forward, has made an indelible mark on the NHL since his debut as a 20-year-old in 2005. Holding nine Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophies, Ovechkin now stands as the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer. Beyond his scoring prowess, he is recognized as one of the league’s most physically imposing players. Despite being 40, his tank-like build allows him to powerfully drive up the ice and overpower adversaries, a remarkable feat for his age.
Elmer Soderblom – Detroit Red Wings
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 252 pounds
Elmer Soderblom, a sixth-round draft pick, defied expectations by making it to the NHL at just 21 years old, with the 2025-26 season marking his first full-time campaign. While still refining how to best utilize his substantial frame, Soderblom is notable for his skill rather than his physicality, possessing soft hands and a knack for driving to the net. If he masters maintaining strength against smaller, lower-centered opponents, he has the potential to become a reliable two-way, middle-six forward for the Detroit Red Wings.
Jamie Oleksiak – Seattle Kraken
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 252 pounds
Jamie Oleksiak has consistently been recognized among the league’s largest players, and for good reason. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 252 pounds, he is a colossal presence on the Seattle Kraken’s defensive corps. The 32-year-old blueliner offers remarkable versatility, capable of playing both sides of the ice and excelling in both offensive and defensive assignments. Irrespective of his specific role, Oleksiak’s imposing stature makes him a formidable defenseman, particularly against the majority of smaller opponents in the league.
Nikita Zadorov – Boston Bruins
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 255 pounds
Slightly heavier than Oleksiak, Nikita Zadorov is renowned for delivering crushing hits and maintaining a strong physical presence in front of his team’s net. Now playing for the Boston Bruins, this veteran defenseman is recognized as one of the NHL’s largest players. Over his career, Zadorov has consistently averaged 226 hits per 82-game season and is never shy about engaging in fisticuffs. He even set a new career high with 145 penalty minutes in the 2024-25 season, an increase of 20 minutes from the previous year.
Matt Rempe – New York Rangers
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 261 pounds
Who else could it be? Matt Rempe, the towering forward for the New York Rangers, has made a significant impact since joining the league in 2022-23. Known for his willingness to drop the gloves, Rempe literally stands above the rest as the sole active NHL player measuring 6-foot-9. However, Rempe is more than just a traditional enforcer; the 23-year-old also displays unexpected offensive abilities around the net. While he may not be a prolific 20-goal scorer, his presence and unique skill set provide a valuable contribution to the Rangers.