Is Aaron Ekblad Better Than Jacob Trouba? NHL Stats Decide

Few NHL comparisons generate more debate than Aaron Ekblad vs Jacob Trouba. The numbers reveal a genuinely competitive matchup — Aaron Ekblad takes 4 categories while Jacob Trouba claims 2, making this one of the closer head to head comparisons at the D position. Every statistical category matters in a matchup this tight.

Aaron Ekblad's Plus/Minus of 86 compared to Jacob Trouba's 40 represents a 115% 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 Assists, where Aaron Ekblad posts 287 against Jacob Trouba's 277 — a gap of just 3.6%. Jacob Trouba can point to this as evidence that the overall comparison is closer than the final 4-2 tally suggests. In any debate, Assists is the statistical ammunition for the Jacob Trouba 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.

The verdict favors Aaron Ekblad — 4 categories to 2 — but Jacob Trouba makes this far from a one-sided debate. Anyone building the case for Jacob Trouba has real statistical ammunition particularly in Assists where the gap narrows to just 3.6%. The numbers have spoken, but the argument will continue.