The Best Smaller Players in Today’s NHL
The article lists ten current NHL players under 5-foot-10 who have succeeded despite size concerns. It highlights players such as Cole Caufield, Lane Hutson, Alex DeBrincat, Brad Marchand, and Yanni Gourde, noting that undersized prospects are often overlooked by scouts.
The piece ranks ten active NHLers listed under 5-foot-10, including Caufield, Hutson, DeBrincat, Marchand and Gourde. It notes that smaller prospects can be passed over by scouts or go undrafted because they do not match conventional size expectations. Historical examples cited include St. Louis, Gilbert, Dionne, Lindsay and Richard.
Gourde, listed at 5-foot-9 and 173 pounds, had a long QMJHL career, moved between the AHL and Tampa Bay, then broke out in 2017-18 with 25 goals and 64 points. He later won two Stanley Cups and was selected by Seattle in the 2021 expansion draft before returning to Tampa Bay.
This story may influence how young hockey players, parents, coaches and scouts view size. By highlighting undersized NHL successes, it could encourage smaller athletes to persist and prompt evaluators to weigh skill, work ethic and hockey sense alongside measurements. It may also shape fan perceptions and youth development conversations, though its impact depends on how readers apply these examples.