NHL 23: Best Forwards

NHL 23 has been out for a week and a half now and has provided an enjoyable hockey gaming experience for fans to delve into. With plenty of modes to choose from, NHL 23’s Franchise Mode tends to be one of the most popular, and for a variety of reasons.

One thing you will learn quickly when playing Franchise Mode, is that scoring goals (as in any hockey game) is essential to your success, and particularly early on. If you’re struggling out of the gate and are getting outscored in nearly every game, your season can decline quickly, and with it, your reputation and job security as GM of your franchise.

But don’t worry! It’s highly unlikely to get fired from the franchise you’re running, especially when you’re scoring goals. Depending on how you like to structure your franchise, should you be using the Fantasy Draft setting, it’s usually wise to select one of the best forwards in the game with either your first or second pick. And to give you an idea of which forwards are the best to have on your teams in Franchise Mode, we decided to go over our Top 5 in NHL 23.

On that note, let’s get right to it.

NOW READ: Trying to fly down the ice? Check out the fastest players in NHL 23 here.

NHL 23: Top 5 Forwards

5. Alexander Ovechkin [LW] (92 Overall) – Capitals

The 12-time All Star and three-time Hart Trophy Winner in Alexander Ovechkin has to be on this list and is still arguably the best left wing available in the game despite being 37 years old. Should you have a hard time scoring goals, Ovechkin is the man that will solve your problems. Last season, Ovechkin scored another 50 goals to go with 40 assists, the first time he’s dished out that many or more since the 2010-11 season.

Oveckin comes with the ‘One Tee’ X-Factor ability to go with a bunch of great skill attributes. Here’s his Top 5 ratings in NHL 23:

1. Offensive Awareness (97)
2. Slapshot Power (96)
3. Poise (96)
4. Slapshot Accuracy (95)
5. Wristshot Accuracy (94)

4. Patrick Kane [RW] (93 Overall) – Blackhawks

Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane is coming off an impressive season. Scoring 26 goals, Kane also tied his career high in assists (66), continuously highlighting not only his elite goal scoring but also his playmaking ability.

Kane comes with the ‘Puck On A String’ X-Factor ability and some excellent shooting skills you’ll want to have in your lineup. Here’s Kane’s Top 5 ratings in NHL 23:

1. Offensive Awareness (97)
2. Wristshot Accuracy (97)
3. Passing (96)
4. Puck Control (96)
5. HandEye (96)

3. Nathan MacKinnon [C] (93 Overall) – Avalanche

Nathan MacKinnon is just simply special. At age 27, MacKinnon has quickly risen into one of the most dominant offensive threats in the NHL and that is very much the same in NHL 23. The center had himself 32 goals scored and 56 assists en route to his first Stanley Cup Championship last season.

MacKinnon has the ‘Ankle Breaker’ X-Factor ability and a handful of top skill ratings you will automatically thrive with as soon as you hit the ice. Here’s MacKinnon’s Top 5 skills:

1. Offensive Awareness (96)
2. Puck Control (95)
3. Acceleration (95)
4. Speed (95)
5. Agility (95)

2. Auston Matthews [C] (94 Overall) – Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs’ very own Auston Matthews has grown to become one of the leagues finest and was on the NHL 22 cover for a reason. Last season, Matthews had a career high 60 goals scored to go along with 46 assists that earned him the Hart Trophy Award honors, his first.

Matthews comes with the ‘Shock And Awe’ X-Factor ability and some insanely good skill ratings. Here’s his Top 5 in NHL 23:

1. Offensive Awareness (97)
2. Wristshot Accuracy (97)
3. Slapshot Accuracy (96)
4. Puck Control (95)
5. HandEye (95)

1. Connor McDavid [C] (95 Overall) – Oilers

You want to use the biggest cheat code in the game, Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid is just that and will flat out slice and dice opposing defenses for you. McDavid had a career high 123 points last season (44 goals, 79 assists) and has solidified himself as the best player in the NHL right now.

McDavid comes with the ‘Wheels’ X-Factor ability and has easily the best offensive skill ratings you could ask for from a forward. Here’s his Top 5 skills:

1. Offensive Awareness (98)
2. Puck Control (98)
3. Passing (98)
4. HandEye (98)
5. Agility (98)

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