Toronto Maple Leafs: How the Ryan Ellis extension affects Jake Gardiner

Even Strength Offensive Production

Ellis and Gardiner both entered the league in the 2011-12 season. Due to injuries, Gardiner has played 93 more games than Ellis to this point. Producing points at even strength from the backend is what separates certain defensemen from the rest of the pack.

According to Natural Stat Trick, of Gardiner’s 42 career goals, 34 have come at even strength (81 percent). 111 of his 173 career assists have come at even strength (64 percent). Gardiner has also been good at creating shots on net. 566 shots on goal shows an ability to get shot through at the point creating scoring chances for his teammates.

Although Gardiner has made an impact on the Leafs powerplay the past few seasons, he has maintained really good production at even strength . The Leafs have one of the most skilled forward groups in the NHL, which makes it easier to pick up even strength points, but it is still impressive.

In comparison, of Ellis’ 55 career goals, 38 have come when the Preds are at even strength (69 percent). Ellis has racked up 118 career assists, with 87 coming at even strength (74 percent). The 2016-17 season is where Ellis’ even strength goal impact really jumped out. 11 goals from a defenseman is really good production, especially from a player that is believed to make his offensive impact on the power play. Ellis has put 517 pucks on net , right on par with Gardiner, while playing in few games.