The offseason has barely begun and the Leafs are already fighting each other!

The Toronto Maple Leafs opened up their 2025 development camp with some fireworks today.

Prospects Rhett Parsons and Matthew Hlacar dropped the gloves and engaged in a spirited bout that went to far that teammates had to pour off the benches to separate them.

That’s just two big boys (Both over 6’3″ and 200 lbs) going at it and letting their fists determine the outcome of their disagreement.

I’ve got to say though, and I don’t mean this as a criticism, but Parsons seems like a real prick. He’s not very interested in the puck or in board battles and is instead more interested in laying as many cross checks as he can.

Good on Hlacar for stepping up, not only for himself but for his teammates as well.

Old time hockey!

OHL Brantford selects ‘largest hockey player on the planet’ in CHL import draft

Whoa! 7 feet tall and 275 lbs at only 17 years old!

The Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Brantford Bulldogs have selected seven-foot, 273-pound defenceman Alexander Karmanov with the 172nd pick in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) import draft.

In a social media post following the selection, the Bulldogs trumpeted Karmanov as “the largest hockey player on the planet.”

It’s unclear if Karmanov will join the Bulldogs next season, as he had previously committed to the NCAA’s Penn State at 16 years old last year. If he does join the Bulldogs however, he’ll become the tallest junior player in the CHL history. More than that though, according to hockey prospect resource Elite Prospects, Karmanov is the tallest active registered hockey player in the world.

Jumping ahead, if he eventually makes it to the NHL (2027 NHL Draft eligible) he’ll surpass Hall of Famer Zdeno Chara (6’9″) as the tallest player in NHL history.

He’s also the first Moldovan born player drafted in CHL history.

But… enough of my rambling… let’s take a look at this giant:

After watching this kid skate, it’s clear that he has some skills. Personally, I hope he does make the jump to the OHL so I can watch him closer.