Regardless of their stylistic differences, the results that Ehlers achieves have been better than Connor if you consider actual offensive production (goals and points per 60 minutes) or shot metrics (Corsi, expected goals).
Whenever Ehlers has been on the top line they have performed much better than with Connor in terms of shot metrics, goal differentials and penalty differentials.
I'll go with the player that generates better results.
It's more than stylistic differences - I see an over all better skill set with Connor and a higher ceiling -
I won't debate the stats - I review players based on what I see - not the most advanced approach but that's the way I look at players.
Connors skill with the puck is over the top and I really like his ability to adapt to players on his line.
He can play the game a number of different ways including the cycle that Wheels and Scheif seem to prefer (right or wrong).
Looking at him, you'd never think this guy could play a board game but he does and he's effective even when you know it's not his prefered game.
His ability to put the puck in the net is better than Ehlers because he can do it more ways - regardless of 5 v 5
His ability to strip puck and hang onto pucks is also better - even in traffic.
His stick work is probably the best on the team - he's super nifty and very dangerous when he's anywhere near the net.
These are things I see when watching him play - his potential is huge based on his skill.
He is also the type of player I enjoy watching - always dangerous and always finding a way to get to the net - which is where some of our other top talent wingers struggle.
It's interesting that there is a split between fans who prefer Ehlers or Connor - probably related to the differences in their games and personal preferences with fans - and some will rely on the stats to make up their minds (and I'm in the camp of the later on most occasions - but not this time).
Regardless, I enjoy comparing the two - both are remarkable talents.
You are entitled to your opinion. You are not even required to justify it if you choose not to. I agree, "he can skate, shoot, score, handle the puck and traffic - very well". He also forechecks pretty well and does very well along the boards, considering his lack of size. I like Connor, a lot. In spite of those attributes though, he doesn't drive play. He doesn't do much to make his linemates better and he isn't very good in his own end. He does still have plenty of potential to improve in those areas.
