Aaron Ekblad or Clayton Keller? The NHL Stat Breakdown
This is as close as it gets. Aaron Ekblad and Clayton Keller split the statistical categories evenly — 3 apiece — making this one of the most genuinely contested D comparisons in NHL history. When the numbers are this balanced, the debate comes down to which statistics matter most to you.
Aaron Ekblad's Penalty Minutes of 564 compared to Clayton Keller's 275 represents a 105.1% advantage — dramatically better than their counterpart in this critical category. It is the single most decisive number in this comparison and the clearest statistical argument for Aaron Ekblad's edge.
The most competitive category in this matchup is Games Played, where Aaron Ekblad posts 811 against Clayton Keller's 693 — a gap of just 17%. Clayton Keller can point to this as evidence that the overall comparison is closer than the final 3-3 tally suggests. In any debate, Games Played is the statistical ammunition for the Clayton Keller side.
Defensive play in the NHL is measured through a combination of offensive contribution and plus/minus rating. Elite defensemen contribute points while anchoring their team's defensive structure — a balance that defines the position's greatest players.
With categories split evenly, this comparison ultimately comes down to which statistics matter most to you. Aaron Ekblad claims the tiebreaker through Penalty Minutes advantage — a 105.1% edge — but reasonable people can, and do, argue both sides of this NHL debate.
Who is better, Aaron Ekblad or Clayton Keller?
Aaron Ekblad holds the statistical edge, winning 3 of 6 categories in this career comparison. Aaron Ekblad's Penalty Minutes of 564 versus Clayton Keller's 275 is the most decisive factor — a 105.1% difference.
How do Aaron Ekblad and Clayton Keller compare in Penalty Minutes?
Aaron Ekblad career Penalty Minutes: 564. Clayton Keller career Penalty Minutes: 275. Aaron Ekblad leads by 105.1% — dramatically ahead in this key D metric.
Who had the better overall career, Aaron Ekblad or Clayton Keller?
Based on career statistics, Aaron Ekblad edges Clayton Keller 3-3 across key categories. Aaron Ekblad's Penalty Minutes of 564 leads Clayton Keller's 275 by 105.1%, providing the clearest statistical evidence of the career advantage.
