Top 10 Tallest NHL Players Ever
Photos: BildbyrånWhen it comes to size, these ten players stand head and shoulders above everyone who has played in the NHL. Ranked first by height and then by weight when tied, this list highlights the league’s true giants, from current heavy hitters to all-time legends. Heights and weights are shown in both metric and imperial units.
1. Matt Rempe (F)
206 cm / 6′9″, 115 kg / 254 lbs
The tallest active NHL player, Rempe has quickly become a cult favorite for the New York Rangers. At 21, he combines his 6′9″, 254-pound frame with surprising agility and relentless physical play. His blend of old-school grit and youthful energy makes him one of the most talked-about big men in today’s league.
2. Zdeno Chára (D)
206 cm / 6′9″, 113 kg / 249 lbs
Chára is one of the tallest players in NHL history, matching the league’s all-time height mark at 206 cm. Across 24 seasons, the Slovak defenseman redefined what size could mean in hockey. He won the Norris Trophy in 2009 and captained the Boston Bruins to a Stanley Cup in 2011. His reach, discipline, and leadership made him one of the most respected players of his era.
3. Viktor Svedberg (D)
206 cm / 6′9″, 107 kg / 236 lbs
The Swedish defenseman’s size was his greatest weapon. At 6′9″ and 236 pounds, Svedberg used his long stride and extended reach to control space for the Chicago Blackhawks before continuing his career in Europe. His calm positioning and stick work made him a steady presence in his own zone.
4. Curtis Douglas (F)
205 cm / 6′8½″, 110 kg / 243 lbs
Currently in the Tampa Bay Lightning organization, Douglas brings sheer size and potential to every shift. His 6′8½″, 243-pound frame makes him an ideal net-front presence. With continued development in pace and puck control, he could become a dominant power forward in the years ahead.
5. Steve McKenna (D)
203 cm / 6′8″, 120 kg / 265 lbs
Few players have ever matched McKenna’s physical presence. At 6′8″ and 265 pounds, the Canadian defenseman patrolled blue lines for Pittsburgh and Los Angeles with intimidating authority. He personified the toughness of early-2000s hockey and remains one of the heaviest players ever to reach the NHL.
6. John Scott (F)
203 cm / 6′8″, 118 kg / 260 lbs
Scott became a folk hero after being voted into the 2016 All-Star Game, where he went on to claim MVP honors. At 6′8″ and 260 pounds, he used his frame for both protection and presence, proving that even enforcers can leave an enduring mark on the sport.
7. Mitchell Fritz (F)
203 cm / 6′8″, 113 kg / 249 lbs
Fritz’s NHL stint with the New York Islanders was brief, but his impact was unmistakable. Standing 6′8″ and weighing 249 pounds, he brought relentless intensity and a willingness to stand up for teammates every time he took the ice.
8. Joe Finley (D)
203 cm / 6′8″, 109 kg / 240 lbs
A former first-round pick by Buffalo, Finley combined his 6′8″, 240-pound frame with a strong defensive mindset. Known for his board battles and shot blocking, he provided the kind of physical edge coaches still crave in stay-at-home defenders.
9. Adam Klapka (F)
203 cm / 6′8″, 107 kg / 236 lbs
The Czech forward, currently with the Calgary Flames, represents the modern prototype of a tall, skilled winger. At 6′8″ and 236 pounds, he shields the puck effortlessly and brings a creative touch around the net that sets him apart from traditional big-body forwards.
10. Jason Missiaen (G)
204 cm / 6′8″, 93 kg / 205 lbs
Missiaen, one of the tallest goalies to ever sign with an NHL team, appeared briefly with the New York Rangers. His 6′8″ height allowed him to cover the net with ease, but his light 205-pound build made lateral movement a challenge. He remains a unique example of how extreme height reshapes the goaltending position.
Summary Table
From Zdeno Chára’s legendary career to Matt Rempe’s rise as the NHL’s tallest active player, these ten names show how size continues to shape the sport. If you are wondering who is the tallest NHL player ever, the all-time answer is still Zdeno Chára at 206 cm. If you want to know who is the tallest player currently in the league, that title belongs to Matt Rempe of the New York Rangers.