Best NHL 23 RWs: Top Right Wings By OVR Rating

EA Sports has officially unveiled the highly anticipated right wing player ratings for NHL 23, marking the first positional group to receive official OVR (Overall) ratings before the game’s October 11 launch. This early reveal provides hockey gaming enthusiasts with crucial insights into which players will dominate the virtual ice when the new season begins.

The rating system in NHL 23 reflects players’ real-world performance metrics, with these initial scores serving as baseline evaluations that may adjust throughout the actual NHL season. Right wings specifically are evaluated on multiple attributes including shooting accuracy, skating speed, defensive awareness, and playmaking abilities. Understanding these ratings is essential for building championship-caliber teams in franchise mode and competitive online play.

While the core group of elite right wingers demonstrates remarkable consistency across gaming iterations, subtle rating adjustments can significantly impact in-game performance and team-building strategies.

Patrick Kane maintains his throne as the premier right wing in NHL 23, receiving a one-point OVR boost to 93. The Chicago Blackhawks veteran demonstrates why he remains among hockey’s most dangerous offensive threats, having recorded the second-highest point total among all right wings last season. His elite puck handling, wrist shot accuracy, and hockey IQ make him virtually unstoppable in offensive situations. However, strategic players should note Kane’s defensive limitations – his 78 defensive awareness rating requires careful line matching against opponents’ top scoring threats.

Nikita Kucherov’s 92 OVR rating solidifies his status as Tampa Bay’s offensive catalyst. The Lightning’s performance metrics clearly demonstrate his impact: when Kucherov is on the ice, Tampa Bay’s scoring increases by approximately 28% and their power play efficiency jumps by 15 percentage points. His playoff experience and clutch performance in high-pressure situations make him invaluable for postseason success in both real hockey and virtual competition.

Colorado’s Stanley Cup champion Mikko Rantanen earned his 91 OVR through a career-best 36-goal campaign and consistent playoff production. His chemistry with center Nathan MacKinnon creates one of the league’s most dynamic duos, generating scoring chances at an elite rate. Rantanen’s balanced attribute distribution makes him effective in all situations, from even-strength play to power play units.

The placement of David Pastrnak above Mitch Marner has ignited passionate discussions across the hockey community. Pastrnak’s pure goal-scoring ability is undeniable – his 97 wrist shot power and 95 accuracy ratings make him a constant threat in the offensive zone. The Bruins’ sniper thrives on the power play, where his one-timer from the left circle is nearly unstoppable. However, his defensive positioning (82 rating) requires support from linemates.

Mitch Marner’s supporters present compelling statistical evidence: his 97-point 2021 season outpaced Pastrnak by 20 points and Rantanen by 5 points. Marner excels as a playmaker with 95 passing and 92 puck control attributes. His two-way game is more complete than Pastrnak’s, featuring 88 defensive awareness and 90 stick checking that makes him effective in all three zones.

Advanced metrics reveal both players’ strengths: Pastrnak generates 3.2 high-danger chances per game versus Marner’s 2.8, but Marner creates 4.5 takeaways per 60 minutes compared to Pastrnak’s 2.1. This statistical divide highlights the ongoing debate between pure scorers and complete two-way forwards in modern hockey.

Building successful lines in NHL 23 requires understanding player synergies beyond raw OVR ratings. Patrick Kane performs optimally when paired with a defensively-responsible center who can cover for his defensive gaps. Nikita Kucherov thrives with aggressive forechecking linemates who create turnover opportunities. Mikko Rantanen’s size and strength (6’4″, 215 lbs) make him particularly effective along the boards and in cycle gameplay.

Power play strategies should leverage each player’s unique strengths: position Pastrnak in his signature left-circle one-timer spot, utilize Marner as the primary puck distributor, and deploy Rantanen as a net-front presence. These specialized roles maximize each player’s attribute advantages while minimizing their limitations.

Common mistakes include over-relying on star players without considering line chemistry, neglecting defensive responsibilities with offensively-focused right wings, and failing to adjust strategies when ratings update throughout the season. For comprehensive team-building guidance, consult our Class Guide which details optimal player combinations and tactical approaches.

Advanced players should monitor real-world performance trends, as player ratings receive dynamic updates reflecting actual NHL performance. A player experiencing a hot streak mid-season could see their attributes temporarily boosted, creating strategic opportunities for savvy team managers.

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