Who Are the Shortest Players in the NHL? (2023-2024)
I’ve been a Strength and Conditioning Coach for two decades and I’ve always found it impactful to show the players I coached the sizes of pro players at their position. 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 this season that I do every year. 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 highlighting on the NHL’s shortest players this season. Get ready to learn some random, yet interesting, hockey facts that you can show off to your friends.
The Shortest NHL Players
In the NHL, the ten shortest players demonstrate remarkable agility and skill at a height of 5’8″, illustrating that size isn’t the only factor that defines a player’s effectiveness on the ice. This height is quite a contrast to the average NHL player, who typically stands around 6’1 1/2″ tall.
Additionally, there’s another group of about 20 players who are slightly taller at 5’9″. While they are just an inch above the shortest group, these players prove that height is just a number, and their performance is not hindered by being below the league’s average height.
I’ve included both sets of players in the two lists below.
Kailer Yamamoto
- Height: 5’8″ (68 inches)
- Weight: 153 lbs
- 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
- Team: Washington Capitals
- Draft: 2016, 6th round (166th overall) by the Calgary Flames
- Years in NHL: Since 2021
Bobby Brink
- Height: 5’8″ (68 inches)
- Weight: 169 lbs
- Team: Philadelphia Flyers
- Draft: 2019, 2nd round (34th overall) by the Philadelphia Flyers
- Years in NHL: Since 2022
Cam Atkinson
- Height: 5’8″ (68 inches)
- Weight: 175 lbs
- 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
- 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
- Team: Tampa Bay Lightning
- Draft: Undrafted
- Years in NHL: Since 2016
Alex DeBrincat
- Height: 5’8″ (68 inches)
- Weight: 180 lbs
- 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
- Team: Minnesota Wild
- Draft: Undrafted
- Years in NHL: Since 2010
Tyler Johnson
- Height: 5’8″ (68 inches)
- Weight: 185 lbs
- Team: Chicago Blackhawks
- Draft: Undrafted
- Years in NHL: Since 2012
Justin Danforth
- Height: 5’8″ (68 inches)
- Weight: 188 lbs
- Team: Columbus Blue Jackets
- Draft: Undrafted
- Years in NHL: Since 2022
5’9″ Players in the NHL
Here is that next group of players, just an inch taller at 5’9″.
| Player | Team |
|---|---|
| Johnny Gaudreau | Blue Jackets |
| Jared Spurgeon | Wild |
| Cole Guttman | Blackhawks |
| Michael Carcone | Coyotes |
| Yanni Gourde | Kraken |
| Blake Lizotte | Kings |
| Brad Marchand | Bruins |
| Nick Blankenburg | Blue Jackets |
| Nicholas Robertson | Maple Leafs |
| Marco Rossi | Wild |
| Valtteri Puustinen | Penguins |
| Brendan Gallagher | Canadiens |
| Ryan Lomberg | Panthers |
| Rafael Harvey-Pinard | Canadiens |
| Nils Hoglander | Canucks |
| Jonathan Marchessault | Knights |
| Nathan Walker | Blues |
| Colin Blackwell | Blackhawks |
| Torey Krug | Blues |
Final Thoughts
This look at the shortest players in the NHL emphasizes an important point: success in hockey isn’t solely dictated by physical stature. These players, each standing at 5’8″, bring unique skills, agility, and a competitive edge to their teams, proving that heart and talent are just as crucial as height.
For anyone who loves playing or watching hockey, these athletes are a reminder that determination, skill development, and strategic thinking can level the playing field, making the sport accessible and enjoyable for players of all sizes. Their achievements in the NHL are an inspiration for players everywhere, showing that with hard work and passion, there are no limits to what can be achieved on the ice.
Other Positions
The Tallest Players in the NFL
