With the 2023 NHL draft now over, the focus of the hockey world shifts toward the free-agent market. For the first time since 2019, it returns to its usual date of July 1 at noon ET.
Following the March trade deadline, we published an updated ranking of this year's top unrestricted free agents. As we draw closer to July 1, it's time to revisit and publish our final rankings of this year's best UFAs.
The depth of talent is shallow in this year's free-agent pool. Most of the notable names, such as Patrick Kane and Ryan O'Reilly, are aging stars whose best years appear to be behind them. Others, such as Matt Dumba and Max Domi, would be considered second-tier in a deeper free-agent market.
Despite the lack of available stars in their playing prime, we should expect the usual frenzy of opening-day signings as clubs scramble to snap up the best talent.
The following is our ranking of this summer's top 15 NHL unrestricted free agents along with a list of honorable mentions. Our assessments are based on previous and current performances.
Do you agree with our ranking? Is there a player you believe should be higher or lower on our list? Let us know in the comments section.
Honorable Mentions
Patrice Bergeron and David Krejcí: Aging but still effective centers, Bergeron and Krejcí would draw plenty of attention in this summer's free-agent market. However, the Bruins expect these two to retire.
Shayne Gostisbehere: A offensive defenseman, the 30-year-old Gostisbehere netted 41 points this season split between the Arizona Coyotes and Carolina Hurricanes. It's the fourth time he's exceeded 40 points in his nine NHL seasons.
Ryan Graves: At 6'5" and 220 pounds, Graves is a big shutdown defenseman who was among the league leaders in plus/minus (plus-34) this season. He also tallied 26 points, making it the third time in his five NHL seasons that he's reached or exceeded that plateau.
John Klingberg: Klingberg bet on himself last summer by signing a one-year, $7 million contract with the Anaheim Ducks in hopes of boosting his stock in this summer's UFA market. A six-time 40-plus point producer, the 30-year-old blueliner managed 33 points split between the Ducks and Minnesota Wild last season.
Max Pacioretty: When healthy, Pacioretty is a reliable 30-plus goal scorer. However, he tore his Achilles again this past season, limiting the 34-year-old left winger to only five games with the Carolina Hurricanes. Those injuries could cut short his playing career.
Tomáš Tatar: Skating with the New Jersey Devils, the 32-year-old winger netted 20 goals for the seventh time along with exceeding the 40-point plateau (48) for the sixth time. However, he managed only one point in 12 playoff games.
James van Riemsdyk: Injuries limited the 6'3", 208-pound van Riemsdyk to 12 goals and 29 points in 61 games with the hapless Philadelphia Flyers. A seven-time 20-plus goal scorer, the 34-year-old left winger could still have some value for clubs seeking experienced middle-six forward depth.