There is debate as to who is the shortest player in the NHL.
Because Nathan Gerbe isn't considered a full-time NHL player, his 5-foot-5 frame isn't the consensus for smallest in the league. Brian Gionta is a full-time NHL roster member and stands in at 5-foot-7. According to hfboards.com, Gionta is the smallest player in the league.
Rocco Grimaldi, selected by the Florida Panthers with the third pick in the second round of the 2011 NHL draft, stands at 5-foot-6 — roughly the size of Zdeno Chara's leg. In a rebuilding franchise, Grimaldi could be making a big difference on the ice sooner rather than later and earn the title of shortest player in the league.
"It’s kind of annoying after a while, but it’s also kind of exciting to sit there not knowing what’s going to happen next," Grimaldi told Yahoo. "I still have to go out and prove people wrong, which I’ve done my whole life and I’m going to continue to do."
Grimaldi scored 34 goals in 50 games last season with the U.S. National Development team. He has committed to the University of North Dakota next year.
