In today’s NHL, speed dominates. No longer can teams roster slow, hulking defensemen capable of obstructing opponents into submission. But, if a player has speed and size, they can be lethal.
According to Hockey-Graphs, the average NHLer stands six-foot-one and weighs 201 pounds (as of the 2014-15 season). When compared to the average NHL player of the 1944-45 season – five-foot-ten, 174 pounds – it appears that NHL teams have been giving their players the Captain America Super-Soldier Serum.
Today, imposing players like Alex Ovechkin, Brent Burns, and Evgeni Malkin prevail. They are not the largest NHL players, though. Let’s take a look at the seven of the biggest players in the NHL today based on body mass index (BMI).
Zdeno Chara (26.8)
Height: 6’9”
Weight: 250 lbs
It’s no surprise that gigantic Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara appears on this list – he’s the tallest NHL player in the game. Standing at six-foot-nine, Chara is an imposing figure for forwards entering the Bruins’ zone, even at 40 years old.
Before Burns became the NHL’s version of Chewbacca, Chara did a great impression of the massive wookie’s cry when lifting the Stanley Cup for the first time back in 2011:
Brian Boyle (28.3)
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 245 lbs
Nashville Predators center Brian Boyle (Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports)
The 2017-18 NHL All-Star is known for his large frame and big personality – the latter of which was recognized by fans in Tampa Bay when the former Lightning center returned for the skills competition and All-Star Game. Boyle combined his size with speed to be a versatile forward for the Nashville Predators, where he played on the penalty kill and sometimes in front of the net on the power play.
Jamie Oleksiak (28.7)
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 255 lbs
In a surprising move, Jamie Oleksiak was traded back to the Dallas Stars, the team he began his career with. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
Back in Dallas, Jamie Oleksiak patrols the blue line for the Stars. “Patrols” is the key word here, as Oleksiak towers over most forwards. You may recognize his last name as well – Oleksiak’s sister, Penny, competed in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and brought home a silver and two bronze medals for Canada.
Robin Lehner (29.1)
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 239 lbs
New York Islanders goaltender Robin Lehner (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The New York Islanders’ goalie resembles the Michelin Man with his gear strapped on. Robin Lehner also brings back memories of an old Amstel Light ad featuring a hefty goalie.
In all fairness, Lehner is not a fat goalie like the netminder from the commercial but he is the largest in the NHL in terms of BMI. However, Lehner is able to move around the crease swiftly, going against the stereotype that “big goalies can’t move.”
Alex Ovechkin (29.9)
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 239 lbs
(Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
A true power forward, Alex Ovechkin has taken the NHL by storm since first appearing as a 20-year-old in 2005. With six Maurice “Rocket” Richard trophies to his name, Ovechkin has already topped 500 goals and 1,000 points in his career. Despite qualifying as “overweight” on the BMI scale, the Russian forward is among the best and biggest players in the NHL today.
Roman Polak (30.4)
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 240 lbs
Roman Polak has been celebrating a lot lately with the Dallas Stars. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
The Stars have some hefty blueliners, huh? Roman Polak has been a beast clearing out the crease in front of Ben Bishop.
The veteran can still move too, though he’s not known for joining the rush. Polak specializes in killing penalties and defensive zone coverage. He’s also known for having the second-highest BMI in the NHL.
Dustin Byfuglien (30.8)
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 260 lbs
(Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports)
After being the only large player to qualify as “obese” on the BMI scale, Dustin Byfuglien is officially the biggest player in the NHL. “Big Buff” gained notoriety around the NHL as an immovable force when he was with the Chicago Blackhawks and helped lead his team to the 2009-10 Stanley Cup.
Now in Winnipeg, Byfuglien is a fan-favorite for his thunderous hits and slap shots from the point. Byfuglien can skate as well – he frequently joins the rush up ice and contributes to the offensive game.
Stats provided by NHL.com.
