Is Aaron Ekblad Better Than Travis Hamonic? NHL Stats Decide

Few NHL comparisons generate more debate than Aaron Ekblad vs Travis Hamonic. The numbers reveal a genuinely competitive matchup — Aaron Ekblad takes 4 categories while Travis Hamonic 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 Travis Hamonic's -37 represents a 132.4% 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 812 against Travis Hamonic's 926 — a gap of just 14%. Travis Hamonic can point to this as evidence that the overall comparison is closer than the final 4-2 tally suggests. In any debate, Games Played is the statistical ammunition for the Travis Hamonic 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 Travis Hamonic makes this far from a one-sided debate. Anyone building the case for Travis Hamonic has real statistical ammunition particularly in Games Played where the gap narrows to just 14%. The numbers have spoken, but the argument will continue.