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 this season (65). Makar ranks fourth in that category (44) behind Schaefer, Jake Sanderson of the Ottawa Senators (60) and Olen Zellweger of the Anaheim Ducks (57). Makar has the highest max skating speed among defensemen (23.86 mph), and Schaefer is not far behind (22.93 mph; 96th percentile at position).

In terms of 22-plus mph speed bursts, Makar and Schaefer are tied for third among defensemen (five each) behind Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Sanderson (seven each). In terms of total skating distance this season, Makar (66.56 miles; 97th percentile) ranks ninth among defensemen and higher than Schaefer (59.69; 88th percentile at position).

2. Shot speed

In terms of hardest shot, Schaefer (93.91 mph; 86th percentile among defensemen) has a slight edge on Makar (93.71; 85th percentile) this season. Makar, who’s in his seventh NHL season, is also a standout in average shot speed (72.26 mph; 89th percentile among defensemen), while Schaefer (66.44) ranks slightly below the NHL average at his position (67.90).

Makar ranks in the top 10 in 90-plus mph shot attempts this season (six; tied for ninth); Schaefer has had two such attempts so far. In terms of 80-plus mph shot attempts, Makar (25) also leads Schaefer (16).

3. Shots by location

Schaefer ranks ahead of Makar in both high-danger shots on goal and midrange shots on goal, and they both rank in the top five at their positions in each of those categories. Here is the full shots by location comparison between Makar and Schaefer, along with their ranks among defensemen:

High-danger shots on goal:
• Schaefer: 7 (third; 99th percentile)
• Makar: 5 (tied for fifth; 98th percentile)

Midrange shots on goal:
• Schaefer: 18 (third; 99th percentile)
• Makar: 15 (tied for fifth; 98th percentile)

Long-range shots on goal:
• Makar: 24 (ninth; 97th percentile)
• Schaefer: 20 (just outside top 10; 93rd percentile)