The 2023 NHL free agency class is deepest at wing.
While there aren't any franchise players available like Johnny Gaudreau was last year, there are players who can be deployed on a contending team's first two forward lines.
The good news for general managers is that none of those options should be overly expensive. The majority are solid middle-six types who shouldn't demand top dollar. Considering how many teams are tight to the salary cap, there could be a few diamonds in the rough signed to shorter-term deals.
MORE: Seven bold predictions for the 2023 NHL offseason
The Sporting News ranks the top 10 wingers available in free agency.
NHL free agency 2023: Winger rankings
1. Tyler Bertuzzi
Bertuzzi is one of the few top free agents who hasn't hit 30 yet. That makes him one of the premier options this summer. The gritty forward fit seamlessly with the Bruins after he was acquired from the Red Wings at the 2023 deadline. His goals were way down last season, but he has proved in the past that he can be a 20-goal scorer. Bertuzzi is a versatile playmaker who should receive interest from multiple teams.
2. Vladimir Tarasenko
Tarasenko was also traded at the deadline as the Blues dealt him to the Rangers. The breakup between Tarasenko and St. Louis was inevitable, and now he'll test the market. Injuries have hurt his production since the Blues won the Stanley Cup in 2019, and last season's resurgence may have been an outlier, but the Russian is still a certified sniper at 31.
3. Max Pacioretty
There will be no contract more intriguing than the one Pacioretty gets this offseason. The 2022-23 campaign did not go well for him; he tore his Achilles in the offseason, made his season debut in January and then played just five games before tearing the Achilles again. When healthy, Pacioretty is a 30-goal scorer, but there are obvious concerns about his Achilles. Will he get a one-year, prove-it deal, or is a team willing to give him three or four years?
4. Patrick Kane
Kane is testing the free-agent market for the first time in his career months after his era with the Blackhawks ended. Like Tarasenko, he was acquired by the Rangers at the deadline as a rental. Kane's days of dominance are behind him, but he's still one of the best passers and stick handlers in the league. His defensive issues are well-known, but there is still the upside on offense when he is on. The biggest concern is the offseason surgery that will require four to six months of recovery.
5. Alex Killorn
Last year, the Lightning lost Ondrej Palat in free agency because of cap constraints. It looks like Killorn might be their cap casualty this offseason. The 33-year-old was an integral part of Tampa Bay's Stanley Cup Final wins in 2020 and 2021 as a big body that could be planted in front of the net. He has never been a point-per-game player, but he plays a consistent style.
6. Max Domi
Domi signed a one-year deal with the Blackhawks, boosted his trade value by putting up 49 points in 60 games with Chicago, and was an excellent addition at the deadline for the Stars on their run to the Western Conference Final. The 28-year-old has played for six different teams in his career, but he has proved he's a strong player who can play in the middle six.
7. Michael Bunting
Bunting ended up being a steal for the Maple Leafs, but between his inconsistent production, butting heads with head coach Sheldon Keefe and discipline issues, he's viewed as a wild card. It's hard to tell how much of Bunting's production was created on his own and how much of it was a product of playing with some of the league's biggest stars. Regardless, he's an agitator who can be effective when he keeps his cool.
8. Jason Zucker
After a few seasons of dealing with injuries, Zucker finally stayed healthy last season for the Penguins. He became a solid top-six option and a nuisance on the forecheck as he produced alongside Evgeni Malkin. When at full health, he's a legit top-six forward. He could be in line for a nice payday this summer.
9. Tomas Tatar
The sniper had a solid bounce-back season with the Devils with 20 goals and 48 points. He was a strong veteran figure in a young New Jersey locker room. He would be a good add for any time in need of a two-way player in the middle six.
10. Gustav Nyquist
Nyquist dealt was limited to 51 games because of injuries last season but he still has the speed that makes him a threat on offense. At his best, he's a strong third-line option.