Panthers make 'big' move in goal as 6-9 Black sets record with debut — SkimNews
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- Cooper Black became the tallest goaltender in NHL regular-season history at 6-foot-9, starting for the Florida Panthers in Pittsburgh and surpassing the previous height record held by 6-foot-7 goalies.
- Cooper Black stopped shots from Kris Letang and Rickard Rakell in his first period, making key saves before allowing a goal to 5-9 Nick Robertson, who became the first player to score on a goalie a full foot taller since Rocco Grimaldi did so in 2019.
- Florida Panthers called up Black from their AHL affiliate in Charlotte after Jacob Markstrom suffered a shoulder injury, thrusting the undrafted 25-year-old into his first NHL start.
- Paul Maurice praised Black’s development, noting the challenge of growing into a 6-foot-9 frame and adding with a laugh that Black has now 'done' so, acknowledging his physical and technical readiness.
- Cooper Black posted a 25-13-4 record with a 2.47 goals-against average and .903 save percentage last season in Charlotte, earning him the call-up after going unsigned as a rookie free agent in 2024.
Why it matters: At 6-foot-9, Black’s debut redefines the physical ceiling for NHL goaltenders, offering Florida immediate depth amid Markstrom’s injury. His performance proves that extreme size can be harnessed effectively at the highest level, potentially influencing how teams evaluate unconventional prospects.
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