Who Are the Shortest Forwards in the NHL? (2024)
I’ve been a Sports Performance Coach for two decades and I’ve always found it impactful to show the players I coached the heights and weights of pro players at their positions. This has proven over the years to be motivational for players needing to add size and sometimes served as a harsh reality check.
I did the same research I always do, I poured through the active rosters for the 2023-2024 NHL season, immediately following the final preseason cuts, a total of nearly 800 players and broke them down by position.
By popular demand, I have put together this guide focusing on the NHL’s shortest forwards this season. Get ready to learn some interesting hockey facts that you can show off to your friends.
The Shortest NHL Forwards
In the NHL, the ten shortest forwards showcase remarkable agility and skill, each standing at a height of only 5’8″. This size contrasts with the league’s average forward height of around 6’1″. Despite being shorter in comparison, these players demonstrate that skill, speed, and hockey IQ often outweigh the advantages of height.
There is also a group of about 15 forwards who stand just an inch taller at 5’9″. They, too, may not have the towering presence of some of their peers, but they excel through their exceptional skating ability, puck handling, and strategic play.
I’ve included both sets of players in the two lists below.
Kailer Yamamoto
- Height: 5’8″ (68 inches)
- Weight: 153 lbs
- Position: RW
- Team: Seattle Kraken
- Draft: 2017, 1st round (22nd overall) by the Edmonton Oilers
- Years in NHL: Since 2017
Matthew Phillips
- Height: 5’8″ (68 inches)
- Weight: 160 lbs
- Position: RW
- Team: Washington Capitals
- Draft: 2016, 6th round (166th overall) by the Calgary Flames
- Years in NHL: Information not available in my current database
Bobby Brink
- Height: 5’8″ (68 inches)
- Weight: 169 lbs
- Position: RW
- Team: Philadelphia Flyers
- Draft: 2019, 2nd round (34th overall) by the Philadelphia Flyers
- Years in NHL: Since 2021
Cam Atkinson
- Height: 5’8″ (68 inches)
- Weight: 175 lbs
- Position: RW
- Team: Philadelphia Flyers
- Draft: 2008, 6th round (157th overall) by the Columbus Blue Jackets
- Years in NHL: Since 2011
Cole Caufield
- Height: 5’8″ (68 inches)
- Weight: 175 lbs
- Position: RW
- Team: Montreal Canadiens
- Draft: 2019, 1st round (15th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens
- Years in NHL: Since 2021
Conor Sheary
- Height: 5’8″ (68 inches)
- Weight: 179 lbs
- Position: LW
- Team: Tampa Bay Lightning
- Draft: Undrafted
- Years in NHL: Since 2016
Alex DeBrincat
- Height: 5’8″ (68 inches)
- Weight: 180 lbs
- Position: RW
- Team: Detroit Red Wings
- Draft: 2016, 2nd round (39th overall) by the Chicago Blackhawks
- Years in NHL: Since 2017
Mats Zuccarello
- Height: 5’8″ (68 inches)
- Weight: 181 lbs
- Position: RW
- Team: Minnesota Wild
- Draft: Undrafted
- Years in NHL: Since 2010
Tyler Johnson
- Height: 5’8″ (68 inches)
- Weight: 185 lbs
- Position: C
- Team: Chicago Blackhawks
- Draft: Undrafted
- Years in NHL: Since 2011
Justin Danforth
- Height: 5’8″ (68 inches)
- Weight: 188 lbs
- Position: RW
- Team: Columbus Blue Jackets
- Draft: Undrafted
- Years in NHL: Since 2021
5’9″ NHL Forwards
Here is the next tier of forwards, all standing just an inch taller at 5’9″.
| Player | Team |
|---|---|
| Johnny Gaudreau | Blue Jackets |
| Cole Guttman | Blackhawks |
| Michael Carcone | Coyotes |
| Yanni Gourde | Kraken |
| Blake Lizotte | Kings |
| Brad Marchand | Bruins |
| Nicholas Robertson | Maple Leafs |
| Marco Rossi | Wild |
| Valtteri Puustinen | Penguins |
| Brendan Gallagher | Canadiens |
| Ryan Lomberg | Panthers |
| Rafael Harvey-Pinard | Canadiens |
| Jonathan Marchessault | Knights |
| Nils Hoglander | Canucks |
| Nathan Walker | Blues |
| Colin Blackwell | Blackhawks |
Final Thoughts
The shortest forwards in the NHL serve as a powerful reminder that skill, determination, and heart are just as vital as physical stature in hockey. Standing at 5’8″, these players have demonstrated that their size is not a limitation but rather a unique attribute that they use to their advantage on the ice.
Their agility, speed, and technical skills contribute significantly to their teams, highlighting the diversity and inclusivity of the sport. For anyone who loves hockey, whether playing or watching, these athletes exemplify that perseverance, talent, and a strong work ethic are key to success, regardless of physical dimensions.
Other Positions
The Tallest Forwards in the NHL
