NHL EDGE stats comparison: Makar vs. Schaefer
Here are three comparable underlying metrics between Makar and Schaefer:
1. Skating speed
Schaefer, as a rookie, leads all defensemen in 20-plus mile per hour speed bursts (95) this season. Makar ranks fourth in that category (63) behind Schaefer, Jake Sanderson of the Ottawa Senators (86) and Olen Zellweger of the Anaheim Ducks (76). Makar has the second highest max skating speed among defensemen (23.68 mph; behind Nikita Zadorov’s 23.84), and Schaefer is not far behind (22.93 mph; 96th percentile at position).
In terms of 22-plus mph speed bursts, Schaefer is second among defensemen (10), while Makar (eight) is tied with Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins for third; the only player at the position with more is Sanderson (11). In terms of total skating distance this season, Makar (94.08 miles; 99th percentile) ranks ninth among defensemen and just ahead of Schaefer (93.33; 96th percentile at position). In terms of power-play skating distance, Makar (17.10 miles; leads position) and Schaefer (14.19 miles; sixth) are among the defenseman leaders.
2. Shot speed
In terms of hardest shot, Schaefer (93.91 mph) is slightly ahead of Makar (93.90) this season. Makar, who’s in his seventh NHL season, is also a standout in average shot speed (71.74 mph; 88th percentile among defensemen), while Schaefer (66.73) ranks slightly below the League average at his position (67.76).
Makar ranks just outside of the top 10 in 90-plus mph shot attempts this season (11; 97th percentile); Schaefer has had two such attempts so far. In terms of 80-plus mph shot attempts, Makar (39) also leads Schaefer (23).
3. Shots by location
Schaefer and Makar rank in the top 10 among defensemen in both high-danger and midrange shots on goal. Here is the full shots by location comparison between Makar and Schaefer (along with their ranks among defensemen):
High-danger shots on goal:
• Schaefer: 8 (tied for third; 99th percentile)
• Makar: 8 (tied for third; 99th percentile)
Midrange shots on goal:
• Schaefer: 24 (tied for third; 99th percentile)
• Makar: 22 (sixth; 98th percentile)
Long-range shots on goal:
• Makar: 36 (tied for fifth; 98th percentile)
• Schaefer: 32 (tied for 10th; 96th percentile)
