10 Tallest NHL Players Ever in League History

If you’ve ever bet on hockey, you’re probably aware that tall players often have an edge on the ice. Big, physical teams like the Florida Panthers have used size to their advantage for years, often leading to strong Stanley Cup odds.

From towering defencemen to giant goaltenders, let’s take a look at the tallest NHL players ever to lace up the skates.

Tallest Players in NHL History

10. Jason Missiaen, 6 feet, 8 inches, 205 pounds

Jason Missiaen had a brief stint as a backup with the New York Rangers, but never actually skated in an NHL game. His stature made it easy for him to cover the net, but he was incredibly light for his size at just 205 pounds.

9. Adam Klapka, 6 feet, 8 inches, 236 pounds

Despite going undrafted, Adam Klapka was signed by the Calgary Flames in 2022 and made the team in 2023. 

That didn’t come as a surprise to Klapka, though, who said in a Czech interview that he always knew he would play in the NHL.

8. Joe Finley, 6 feet, 8 inches, 240 pounds

Although Joe Finley skated in just 21 NHL games, he went on to play three more pro seasons in Finland’s top league. 

In 2016-17, he won the award as the league’s most entertaining player (as well as the most penalized).

7. Mitchell Frizz, 6 feet, 8 inches, 249 pounds

Size and athleticism run in the family for Mitchell Fritz. His brother, Luke, was a 6-foot-6-inch offensive tackle in the CFL and was even signed by the Carolina Panthers of the NFL.

6. John Scott, 6 feet, 8 inches, 260 pounds

Perhaps the most beloved big man in NHL history, John Scott was voted by fans into the 2016 All-Star Game, where he was named captain of the Pacific Division. 

Scott scored two goals in the tournament and led his team to an eventual victory, earning All-Star Game MVP honours.

5. Steve McKenna, 6 feet, 8 inches, 265 pounds

Not only was Steve McKenna one of the tallest players in NHL history, but also one of the heaviest. 

McKenna had an adventurous hockey career, playing in several different countries, including England, Australia, Italy, Russia, Korea, and China.

4. Curtis Douglas, 6 feet, 9 inches, 243 pounds

Although he’s originally from Oakville, Ontario, Curtis Douglas’ parents and extended family have lived or currently live in Vancouver and are huge Canucks fans. 

Coincidentally, the Canucks picked up Douglas off waivers this season.

3. Viktor Svedberg, 6 feet, 9 inches, 236 pounds

Viktor Svedberg was known for his towering height at 6 feet 9 inches, but his sister wasn’t too far behind. 

Karin Svedberg also played professional women’s hockey in Sweden at 6 feet 2 inches tall.

2. Matt Rempe, 6 feet 9 inches, 254 pounds

Matt Rempe, known by Rangers fans as “The Rempire State Building,” has quickly built a reputation as a physical menace on the ice. 

He’s skated in 85 NHL games over three seasons, but he’s already been suspended twice for a total of 12 contests.

1. Zdeno Chara, 6 feet, 9 inches, 249 pounds

Zdeno Chara, or “Big Z” for short, is the most well-known big man in NHL history. 

Chara holds the NHL All-Star Game record for hardest shot at 108.8 miles per hour, while he continues to make headlines in his post-hockey career after completing all six World Marathon Majors.

Who Is the Tallest NHL Player of All Time?

Zdeno Chara, Matt Rempe, Curtis Douglas, and Viktor Svedberg are tied as the tallest NHL players of all time at 6 feet 9 inches.

Who’s the Tallest NHL Player Right Now?

The tallest current NHL players are Matt Rempe of the New York Rangers and Curtis Douglas of the Vancouver Canucks. Both forwards are listed at 6 feet 9 inches.

Who’s the Tallest Goalie in the NHL, Past & Present?

The tallest goaltender in NHL history is 6-foot-8-inch Jason Missiaen, who served as a backup for Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers in 2013-14.

The tallest goalies to play a game this season were Dennis Hildeby of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Mads Sogaard of the Ottawa Senators, who both stand at 6 feet 7 inches.