In a surprise move that sent shockwaves through the NHL draft community, the San Jose Sharks made their seventh-round selection in the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft, choosing towering defenseman Alexander Karmanov with the 201st overall pick. The 7-foot-1, 272-pound blueliner brings a unique combination of size and skill to the Sharks' organization, and fans are already buzzing with excitement about the potential this young prospect brings. Karmanov's draft-day selection marked the culmination of a long and winding road, with the Sharks clearly prioritizing his raw athleticism and defensive upside. As the Sharks continue to build their roster for the future, Karmanov's arrival could signal a new era of physicality and aggression on the team's blue line.

The San Jose Sharks selected 7-foot-1, 272-pound defenseman Alexander Karmanov with the 201st pick of the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft on Saturday during the seventh round. The Sharks made sure fans knew ...