Aaron Ekblad or Shayne Gostisbehere? The NHL Stat Breakdown

Few NHL comparisons generate more debate than Aaron Ekblad vs Shayne Gostisbehere. The numbers reveal a genuinely competitive matchup — Aaron Ekblad takes 4 categories while Shayne Gostisbehere 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 Penalty Minutes of 568 compared to Shayne Gostisbehere's 281 represents a 102.1% 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 Goals, where Aaron Ekblad posts 122 against Shayne Gostisbehere's 119 — a gap of just 2.5%. Shayne Gostisbehere can point to this as evidence that the overall comparison is closer than the final 4-2 tally suggests. In any debate, Goals is the statistical ammunition for the Shayne Gostisbehere 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 Shayne Gostisbehere makes this far from a one-sided debate. Anyone building the case for Shayne Gostisbehere has real statistical ammunition particularly in Goals where the gap narrows to just 2.5%. The numbers have spoken, but the argument will continue.