Who Are the Tallest Forwards in the NHL? (2024)
I’ve been a Sports Performance Coach for twenty years and I’ve always found it impactful to show the players I coached the heights and weights 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 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 focusing on the NHL’s tallest forwards this season. Get ready to learn some interesting hockey facts that you can show off to your friends.
The Tallest NHL Forwards
In the NHL, the eight tallest forwards make a striking presence on the ice, each standing at an impressive height of 6’6″. This size sets them apart in a league where the average height for a forward is approximately 6’1″. These players blend their considerable height with agility and skill, offering a unique advantage in their positions.
Additionally, there is a group of around a dozen forwards who are just slightly shorter, at 6’5″. While they may not be the tallest at the position, they still stand taller than most of their peers.
I’ve included both sets of players in the two lists below.
Nick Bjugstad
- Height: 6’6″ (78 inches)
- Weight: 209 lbs
- Position: Center
- Team: Arizona Coyotes
- Draft: 2010, 1st round (19th overall) by the Florida Panthers
- Years in NHL: Since 2012
Tage Thompson
- Height: 6’6″ (78 inches)
- Weight: 220 lbs
- Position: Center
- Team: Buffalo Sabres
- Draft: 2016, 1st round (26th overall) by the St. Louis Blues
- Years in NHL: Since 2017
Michael Rasmussen
- Height: 6’6″ (78 inches)
- Weight: 220 lbs
- Position: Center
- Team: Detroit Red Wings
- Draft: 2017, 1st round (9th overall) by the Detroit Red Wings
- Years in NHL: Since 2018
Radim Zohorna
- Height: 6’6″ (78 inches)
- Weight: 220 lbs
- Position: Left Wing
- Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
- Draft: Undrafted
- Years in NHL: Since 2021
Alexey Toropchenko
- Height: 6’6″ (78 inches)
- Weight: 222 lbs
- Position: Right Wing
- Team: St. Louis Blues
- Draft: 2017, 4th round (113th overall) by the St. Louis Blues
- Years in NHL: Since 2021
Aliaksei Protas
- Height: 6’6″ (78 inches)
- Weight: 225 lbs
- Position: Center
- Team: Washington Capitals
- Draft: 2019, 3rd round (91st overall) by the Washington Capitals
- Years in NHL: Since 2021
Jordan Greenway
- Height: 6’6″ (78 inches)
- Weight: 231 lbs
- Position: Left Wing
- Team: Buffalo Sabres
- Draft: 2015, 2nd round (50th overall) by the Minnesota Wild
- Years in NHL: Since 2018
Michael McCarron
- Height: 6’6″ (78 inches)
- Weight: 232 lbs
- Position: Right Wing
- Team: Nashville Predators
- Draft: 2013, 1st round (25th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens
- Years in NHL: Since 2015
6’5″ NHL Forwards
Here is the next tier of forwards, all standing just an inch shorter at 6’5″.
| Player | Team |
|---|---|
| Adam Lowry | Jets |
| Kevin Stenlund | Panthers |
| Patrik Laine | Blue Jackets |
| Pierre Engvall | Islanders |
| Kevin Hayes | Blues |
| Mason Marchment | Stars |
| Brett Leason | Ducks |
| Blake Wheeler | Rangers |
| Quinton Byfield | Kings |
| Anthony Mantha | Capitals |
| Ross Johnston | Ducks |
| Dmitri Voronkov | Blue Jackets |
Final Thoughts
This look at the tallest forwards in the NHL highlights an interesting aspect of hockey: the varied physical profiles that contribute to the game. These players, standing at 6’6″ and above, bring not only an imposing physical presence but also a blend of skill and athleticism that enhances their teams’ performance.
Their size offers certain advantages, like reach and strength, yet it’s their dedication to refining their skills that truly sets them apart. For anyone with a passion for hockey, these athletes serve as a reminder that while physical attributes like height are inherent, it’s the commitment to personal and athletic development that truly makes a great player.
Other Positions
The Tallest Players in the NHL
