Is Cale Makar Better Than Mattias Ekholm? NHL Stats Decide
This is as close as it gets. Cale Makar and Mattias Ekholm 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.
Mattias Ekholm's Penalty Minutes of 474 compared to Cale Makar's 136 represents a 248.5% 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 Mattias Ekholm's edge.
The most competitive category in this matchup is Assists, where Cale Makar posts 379 against Mattias Ekholm's 311 — a gap of just 21.9%. Mattias Ekholm can point to this as evidence that the overall comparison is closer than the final 3-3 tally suggests. In any debate, Assists is the statistical ammunition for the Mattias Ekholm 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. Mattias Ekholm claims the tiebreaker through Penalty Minutes advantage — a 248.5% edge — but reasonable people can, and do, argue both sides of this NHL debate.
Who is better, Cale Makar or Mattias Ekholm?
Cale Makar holds the statistical edge, winning 3 of 6 categories in this career comparison. Cale Makar's Penalty Minutes of 474 versus Mattias Ekholm's 136 is the most decisive factor — a 248.5% difference.
How do Cale Makar and Mattias Ekholm compare in Penalty Minutes?
Cale Makar career Penalty Minutes: 136. Mattias Ekholm career Penalty Minutes: 474. Mattias Ekholm leads by 248.5% — dramatically ahead in this key D metric.
Who had the better overall career, Cale Makar or Mattias Ekholm?
Based on career statistics, Cale Makar edges Mattias Ekholm 3-3 across key categories. Cale Makar's Penalty Minutes of 474 leads Mattias Ekholm's 136 by 248.5%, providing the clearest statistical evidence of the career advantage.
