Cooper Black Becomes Tallest NHL Goaltender Ever
The 25-year-old Florida Panthers goalie made his NHL debut at a height of six feet nine inches.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Hockey
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Cooper Black made history as the tallest goaltender to ever play in an NHL regular-season game. The 25-year-old starter took the net for the Florida Panthers against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Why it matters
Blacks stature provides a physical advantage in covering the net, marking a new milestone in size for professional hockey goaltenders. His call-up comes after an injury sidelined regular goalie Jacob Markstrom.
Black stands at six-foot-nine, clearing the previous record holders by two full inches. His professional development includes two years at Dartmouth College and an current AHL save percentage of .919.
The players
Cooper Black
He is a 25-year-old professional goaltender for the Florida Panthers who previously played college hockey at Dartmouth.
Florida Panthers
This professional hockey team competes in the National Hockey League and manages the development of its prospects in the AHL.
Jacob Markstrom
He is a veteran NHL goaltender currently sidelined by an injury sustained during a team practice.
Pittsburgh Penguins
This professional hockey franchise competes against the Florida Panthers in the National Hockey League.
The details
Called up from the AHL following an injury to Jacob Markstrom during practice, Black stepped into the starting lineup against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The undrafted free agent previously played two seasons for Dartmouth College before joining the Florida Panthers system.
Timeline
Black signed as an undrafted free agent in 2024.
The goalie signed a two-year contract extension in June 2026.
Black appeared in his first NHL regular-season game on October 22, 2026.
Season Trajectory
Blacks emergence forces a shift in the Florida Panthers goaltending depth chart during an active season. His performance impacts the team's ability to maintain a competitive defense while awaiting the return of their veteran starter.
Fantasy owners should note that Black's roster spot depends entirely on the status of the primary goaltender's recovery. His AHL stats, including a 2.67 goals-against average, suggest he will be closely evaluated by coaching staff during this call-up.
The takeaway
Black's historic height sets a new standard for physical presence in the crease for future NHL goaltenders. Fans and scouts will watch closely to see if his college and AHL success translates to consistent production at the highest level of the sport.
Further reading
For more on the league's developing goaltending talent, visit the Hockey section.
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