Panthers to Start Tallest Goaltender Cooper Black
Cooper Black is set to make history as the tallest goaltender in NHL history on October 22.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Hockey
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The Florida Panthers will start 6-foot-9 goaltender Cooper Black in an NHL game on October 22, 2026. This appearance will mark the debut of the tallest goaltender in the history of the league.
Why it matters
The team called up Black from their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, to fill the roster spot of injured goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Markstrom is expected to be sidelined for 10 to 14 days due to an upper-body injury.
Cooper Black stands at 6-foot-9, surpassing the previous NHL record of 6-foot-7. He posted a 2-1-0 record with a 2.67 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage in the AHL this season.
The players
Cooper Black
He is a professional ice hockey goaltender who is set to become the tallest player to ever guard an NHL net.
Jacob Markstrom
He is a veteran NHL goaltender currently playing for the Florida Panthers who is out with an upper-body injury.
Florida Panthers
This is a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise that competes in the Atlantic Division of the NHL.
Charlotte Checkers
This organization serves as the American Hockey League affiliate for the Florida Panthers.
The details
Black was originally signed by the Panthers as an undrafted free agent in April 2024 and signed a two-way contract extension in June 2026. He will take the ice in Pittsburgh to help cover the gap created by Jacob Markstrom's recent injury.
Timeline
Florida signed Black as an undrafted free agent in April 2024.
The team signed Black to a two-year extension on June 8, 2026.
Black played in a preseason game on September 24, 2026.
The Panthers recalled the goaltender on October 20, 2026.
Cooper Black is scheduled to make his NHL debut on October 22, 2026.
Season Trajectory
Blacks emergence as a record-breaking presence in the crease offers a new tactical look for the Panthers during a critical early-season stretch. This call-up tests the depth of the Florida goaltending pipeline while forcing the team to adjust its defensive structure around a unique profile.
Fantasy owners and observers should track how Black's 6-foot-9 frame affects save angles and high-shot coverage during his debut game at PPG Paints Arena. His performance will dictate whether the Panthers rely on him for multiple starts until Markstrom is cleared to return.
The takeaway
Blacks entry into the league represents a physical milestone that challenges long-held conventions regarding goaltender size in professional hockey. The team must now evaluate if this height advantage translates into a sustained defensive edge against NHL-caliber shooters.
What happens next
Jacob Markstrom is expected to be sidelined for 10 to 14 days starting from October 20, 2026, creating a window for Black to potentially see additional starts.
Further reading
For more on the latest team developments and league trends, visit Hockey.
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