Even though the 2023 NHL free-agency signing period is still months away with more than half of the 2022-23 season (and all of the Stanley Cup Playoffs) remaining, it is still not too early to take a look ahead to the potential class of available players.

It is a very top-heavy group of forwards, led by Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnák.

Here we are going to take a look at him and the rest of the top 15 potential free agents this summer.

When ranking players, we are taking into account a couple of things:

Yes, some of these players will ultimately re-sign with their current teams, but it is still worth seeing whose stock has dropped a little and whose is rising.

We are working in reverse order, counting down from 15 to the top spot. Here is who makes the cut so far.

How likely is each player to be worth the next contract they receive? So for example, an older player who is still a top player and might only get a one- or two-year deal (example: Joe Pavelski) might get a lift over a younger player whose contract might be longer-term and riskier (Andrei Kuzmenko).

Long-term production and how likely a player is to continue duplicating what they are currently producing. That will put players like David Pastrnak, Dylan Larkin and Bo Horvat closer to the top.

15. John Klingberg

After not getting the long-term deal he wanted in last year’s free-agent class, John Klingberg bet on himself by signing a one-year deal with the Anaheim Ducks.

The Ducks have been the worst team in the league, while Klingberg has struggled to put up some of the numbers we are used to seeing from him throughout his career.

While he is scoring goals at a rate right in line with his career numbers, his assist numbers have taken a massive hit. That might be because he is surrounded by one of the most offensively starved lineups in the league, which also couldexplain why his possession numbers are among the worst of his career.

That should not make teams shy away from him, though.

He still figures to be one of the top defenders available, and it will be interesting to see what he does in the second half of the season if he gets moved to a contender. Given Anaheim’s struggles and Klingberg’s status as a pending UFA, he seems like a near-lock to be traded. Getting an opportunity to play with a playoff-caliber roster and better offensive talent might help him get back on track.

He didn’t suddenly forget how to play hockey this season. This is just a bad fit for everybody involved. He enters his age-31 season next year and might be a long-term risk, especially if you are counting on him to lead your defense, but there should still be some value as a No. 2 or 3 defender on a shorter deal.