Most players would hesitate to challenge a massive opponent on the ice, but not Liam Lefebvre. On Saturday, during the 2026 Rookie Faceoff, Lefebvre, a Los Angeles Kings prospect, engaged in a fight with San Jose Sharks prospect Alexander Karmanov. Karmanov is notably the tallest player ever selected in the NHL Draft, standing at 7-foot-1 and weighing 280 pounds.

The incident occurred late in the third period of San Jose’s 8-1 victory when Karmanov delivered a heavy hit to Kings defenseman Jakub Dvorak, resulting in an upper-body injury. This prompted several Kings players to confront Karmanov, with Lefebvre leading the charge.

Lefebvre, listed at 6-foot-3, appeared diminutive compared to Karmanov. Despite the size disadvantage, he courageously stood up for his teammate. The altercation saw Karmanov using his reach advantage effectively, eventually overpowering Lefebvre. Karmanov then gestured to the crowd, seeking more support as he headed to the penalty box.

Karmanov, selected as the 201st overall pick by the Sharks, is a defenseman born in Moldova, making history with his draft selection. Speaking after the game, Karmanov described the confrontation as part of the game’s natural flow. “I asked the guy if he wanted to go,” Karmanov stated. “Yeah, we went.”

This matchup between the prospects added an unexpected twist to the game, showcasing the unpredictability and intensity of hockey.