I think the total opposite, small players have their place in nhl, actually, more than ever. Since the game keeps getting faster and faster, the players need to have great skating skills, be able to spin on a dime while posessing magic hands. Hooking, holding and interference penalties are, for the most part, called automaticaly, making the game much more open for skilled and creative players. The old school, heavy weight, north-south players are slowly fading out and retiring because they cant follow the pace anymore. Dont get me wrong, the new big boys are very skill and agile, thats why they also make it to the pros but that doesnt eliminate the small guys anymore.