Shortest NHL Players Currently Playing: Ranked by Height

When it comes to ice hockey, size and strength often get the spotlight - but some of the most impactful stars are also the shortest NHL player currently. Despite being undersized compared to their peers, these players have proven that skill, speed, and determination can outshine height. In fact, many fans argue that the shortest NHL player often has better agility and lower center of gravity, which can be a huge advantage on the ice. From Stanley Cup champions to rising stars, these athletes have left a lasting impact on the NHL and continue to inspire the next generation of hockey talent.

How We Ranked the Shortest NHL Players

To compile this list of the shortest NHL player currently, we considered more than just raw measurements. While height is the most obvious factor, we also looked at how these players influence the game and how their careers stack up in terms of achievements.

• Height – The foundation of this ranking. We focused on players 5′9″ or shorter, which is well below the league average height of around 6′1″. These players often face skepticism early in their careers but prove that hockey is about skill, not size.
• Impact on the Team – Beyond their stature, these athletes are evaluated by their on-ice contributions. That includes scoring goals, assisting teammates, defensive grit, leadership qualities, and how much their presence shifts the momentum of games.
• Trophies and Accolades – Awards and honors matter. Players who have won Stanley Cups, MVP awards, All-Star selections, or international medals earned higher spots because they’ve shown success against the tallest and strongest competition.

This comprehensive approach ensures that our list highlights not just the shortest NHL hockey players, but also the ones who have turned their so-called disadvantage into an edge. With lower centers of gravity, quicker turns, and explosive skating, many of these players use their height as an advantage, proving that being small in the NHL doesn’t mean being overlooked.

10 Shortest NHL Players Currently

Not every NHL superstar stands tall, but these athletes prove that greatness comes in all sizes. Known for their agility, vision, and resilience, the shortest NHL player currently continue to carve their place in hockey history. Some are pure goal scorers, others are relentless playmakers, but all of them share one thing in common — they’ve shown that skill can outshine stature.

#10: Logan Stankoven (5'8") - Dallas Stars

Logan Stankoven may stand at just 5′8″, but the Dallas Stars forward is quickly proving that size is no barrier in the NHL. Drafted in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft, Stankoven entered the league with a reputation as a high-energy scorer and relentless competitor. His compact build and low center of gravity make him difficult to knock off the puck, and his quick release has made him a consistent scoring threat. By 2025, he’s emerged as one of Dallas’s most exciting young players, with impressive rookie numbers and a knack for performing in high-pressure moments. Stankoven’s mix of grit and offensive skill makes him a fan favorite and a cornerstone for the Stars’ future.

#9: Cole Caufield (5'7") - Montreal Canadiens

At 5′7″, Cole Caufield is one of the shortest NHL players, but he’s also one of the most electrifying. Drafted 15th overall in 2019 by the Montreal Canadiens, Caufield quickly established himself as a top-line winger with elite goal-scoring instincts. Known for his deadly wrist shot and quick hands, he has the ability to change the course of a game in seconds. Despite his smaller frame, Caufield uses his speed and hockey IQ to find open space and create scoring opportunities. By 2025, he’s developed into a key offensive leader for Montreal, with multiple 30+ goal seasons and a growing reputation as one of the NHL’s best pure snipers. His stature may be small, but his impact on the ice is huge.

#8: Blake Lizotte (5'9") - New Jersey Devils

Blake Lizotte, at 5′9″, may not be the tallest skater in the NHL, but he has carved out a solid role thanks to his speed, tenacity, and hockey IQ. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Los Angeles Kings, Lizotte quickly established himself as a reliable two-way center who brings relentless energy to every shift. His small frame allows him to play a fast, elusive game, making him effective on the forecheck and difficult to contain in tight areas. In 2024, Lizotte was traded to the New Jersey Devils, where he continues to provide depth scoring and responsible defensive play. While not known for piling up huge offensive numbers, his versatility, work ethic, and ability to play both special teams make him an invaluable part of the roster. Lizotte proves that even at 5′9″, determination and consistency can secure a long-lasting NHL career.

#7: Domenick Fensore (5'7") - Carolina Hurricanes

Defensemen of shorter stature are rare in the NHL, which makes Domenick Fensore even more unique. At 5′7″, the Carolina Hurricanes blueliner relies on speed, vision, and mobility rather than brute force. A Boston University standout, Fensore was drafted in 2019 and quickly gained a reputation as an offensive-minded defenseman with the ability to quarterback a power play. His smaller frame gives him agility and quick decision-making, allowing him to evade forecheckers and move the puck efficiently up the ice. Though undersized for his position, Fensore’s hockey IQ and competitive edge have earned him opportunities within a deep Hurricanes roster. He represents a new wave of NHL defenders who rely on skill and skating rather than size and strength.

#6: Brad Marchand (5'9") - Boston Bruins

Brad Marchand may be only 5′9″, but he’s one of the most impactful players in the NHL today. Nicknamed “The Little Ball of Hate,” the Boston Bruins winger has built a career on a mix of elite offensive skill and relentless agitation. Drafted in 2006, Marchand has won a Stanley Cup, multiple All-Star selections, and international gold medals with Team Canada. Known for his clutch playoff performances, slick hands, and penalty-killing expertise, Marchand has been one of the Bruins’ most reliable stars for over a decade. Despite his size, he thrives in physical battles and never shies away from bigger opponents. His career proves that being one of the shortest NHL hockey players doesn’t limit greatness.

#5: Tyler Johnson (5'8") - Chicago Blackhawks

At 5′8″, Tyler Johnson is one of the shortest active NHL players, but he’s also one of the most decorated. An undrafted forward, Johnson became a breakout star with the Tampa Bay Lightning, helping lead the team to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. His combination of speed, scoring touch, and fearlessness in the offensive zone made him an invaluable part of Tampa’s “Triplets” line. Now with the Chicago Blackhawks, Johnson continues to provide veteran leadership and offensive spark. His journey from undrafted prospect to Stanley Cup champion serves as an inspiration, proving that height doesn’t define success in the NHL.

#4: Conor Garland (5'8") - Vancouver Canucks

Conor Garland, standing at 5′8″, has carved out a strong NHL career with his relentless motor and creativity on the wing. Drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in 2015, Garland broke into the NHL as a high-energy scorer before being traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 2021. His quick feet, sharp vision, and ability to generate scoring chances in tight spaces make him a dangerous offensive presence. By 2025, Garland has cemented himself as a reliable top-6 forward, consistently putting up solid point totals for Vancouver. Despite being one of the shorter players in the league, his determination and work ethic allow him to play far bigger than his size suggests.

#3: Trey Fix-Wolansky (5'7") - Columbus Blue Jackets

At just 5′7″, Trey Fix-Wolansky is one of the shortest NHL player currently, but his scoring talent keeps him in the spotlight. Drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2018, Fix-Wolansky dominated at the junior and AHL levels, earning call-ups to the NHL. His offensive skillset includes a quick release, smooth puck handling, and an aggressive style that defies his size. Though he’s still working toward becoming a full-time NHL regular, his ability to adapt against bigger and stronger defenders continues to impress. Fix-Wolansky is a prime example of how smaller players can leverage speed and creativity to stand out on the ice.

#2: Xavier Simoneau (5'6") - Montreal Canadiens

Standing at just 5′6″, Xavier Simoneau is among the shortest players in professional hockey today. Drafted by the Montreal Canadiens, Simoneau was known for his gritty style and leadership in junior hockey before turning pro. Despite his undersized frame, he plays with a relentless edge, combining quickness, vision, and determination. Simoneau is often described as a pest for opponents, constantly pressuring defenders and creating opportunities out of nothing. Though still developing within the Canadiens’ system, his work ethic and energy make him a player to watch. His size might be seen as a disadvantage, but he uses it to his benefit, staying lower to the ice and maneuvering through traffic with ease.

#1: Rocco Grimaldi (5'6") - Anaheim Ducks

Rocco Grimaldi holds the distinction of being the shortest NHL player currently, standing at 5′6″. Despite his size, he’s built an impressive professional career across several NHL teams, including the Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators, and now the Anaheim Ducks. Grimaldi is known for his explosive skating, quick hands, and high-energy playing style. He’s often deployed as a depth forward, but his offensive instincts make him a threat whenever he’s on the ice. His perseverance and adaptability have earned him respect across the league, showing that determination can overcome any perceived disadvantage. Grimaldi embodies the message that skill, speed, and heart matter more than height in hockey.