TL;DR
- Connor McDavid leads with 95 OVR, followed by four players at 94 OVR including Matthews and MacKinnon
- Six elite players share 93 OVR rating including Draisaitl, Crosby, and defensive stars Josi and Hedman
- Strategic team building requires balancing player chemistry with individual ratings for optimal performance
- Understanding player development curves helps identify long-term franchise mode investments
- Proper line combinations and defensive pairings can significantly boost team effectiveness
Our comprehensive analysis of NHL 23’s elite player ratings and what they mean for your team building strategies.
The excitement of Ratings Week has arrived in NHL 23, bringing with it EA Vancouver’s definitive assessment of hockey’s top talent. Beyond the basic numbers, understanding these ratings provides crucial insights for constructing championship-caliber teams in both online versus and franchise modes. The development team has evaluated players across multiple dimensions including speed, shooting accuracy, defensive awareness, and overall hockey IQ.
For deeper gameplay insights, explore the new Gameplay Trailer and Presentation Deep Dive to understand how these ratings translate to on-ice performance.
1. Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers) – 95 OVR
The debate about hockey’s best player has been settled decisively in McDavid’s favor. His 95 overall rating reflects unprecedented consistency and game-breaking ability that separates him from the competition. Beyond his remarkable 123-point regular season, McDavid demonstrated playoff dominance despite Edmonton’s early exit, becoming the first player in twenty years to lead postseason scoring without reaching the Finals. His acceleration (96) and agility (95) ratings make him nearly impossible to contain in transition situations.
2. Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs) – 94 OVR
Matthews has solidified his status as the NHL’s premier goal scorer with his 94 overall assessment. His historic 60-goal campaign earned him multiple individual awards while establishing new standards for offensive production. At just 24 years old, his 95 wrist shot accuracy and 93 offensive awareness create constant scoring threats.
3. Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche) – 94 OVR
MacKinnon’s championship pedigree earned him elite status with a 94 overall rating. His playoff performance was particularly impressive, leading all skaters with 13 goals during Colorado’s Stanley Cup run. MacKinnon combines explosive speed (93) with elite puck control (92) to create offensive opportunities in high-pressure situations.
4. Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche) – 94 OVR
Makar’s 94 overall represents the pinnacle of defensive ratings in NHL 23. His Norris Trophy season featured historic offensive production from the blue line, while his skating ability (95) and puck control (94) redefine the modern defenseman role. At 23, he’s already achieved a unique quadruple crown of hockey honors.
5. Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay Lightning) – 94 OVR
Vasilevskiy maintains his position as hockey’s premier goaltender with a 94 overall rating. His consistency across five straight seasons as the wins leader demonstrates remarkable durability and technical excellence. With 93 ratings in both agility and positioning, he remains the gold standard for netminders.
6. Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers) – 93 OVR
Draisaitl’s 93 overall rating might actually undervalue his complete offensive arsenal. His 110-point season featured perfect balance between goals and assists, while his face-off proficiency (90) and endurance (93) make him a complete two-way center.
7. Roman Josi (Nashville Predators) – 93 OVR
Josi silenced any doubts about his elite status with a career-best 96-point campaign. His 93 overall rating reflects both offensive creativity and defensive responsibility, with exceptional ratings in stick checking (91) and defensive awareness (92).
8. Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins) – 93 OVR
Crosby’s enduring excellence earns him a 93 overall rating, demonstrating his ability to maintain world-class performance into his mid-30s. His hockey IQ (95) and passing (94) remain among the league’s best despite evolving playing style.
9. Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks) – 93 OVR
Kane’s 93 overall rating acknowledges his continued offensive brilliance and playmaking vision. With 95 deking and 92 puck control, he remains one of hockey’s most entertaining and effective offensive weapons.
10. Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning) – 93 OVR
Hedman completes the elite defensive corps with his 93 overall assessment. His combination of size, skating ability, and offensive instincts creates a complete package that few defenders can match.
Building a competitive team in NHL 23 requires more than simply collecting the highest-rated players. Understanding chemistry, player roles, and complementary skills separates successful franchise builders from mediocre collectors. The most effective teams balance elite talent with role players who excel in specific situations.
Chemistry Optimization Tips:
Line chemistry significantly impacts player performance, with optimal combinations providing noticeable boosts to offensive creativity and defensive positioning. Pairing playmakers like McDavid with finishers like Matthews creates devastating offensive combinations, while defensive pairings should balance offensive-minded defenders with stay-at-home partners.
Common Team Building Mistakes:
Many players make the error of stacking their top line while neglecting depth. In NHL 23, fatigue management and balanced ice time distribution become crucial factors in sustained success, especially during playoff runs.
Franchise Mode Investment Strategy:
When building for long-term success, target younger elite players like Makar (23) and Matthews (24) who maintain value longer. Veterans like Crosby (34) and Kane (33) provide immediate impact but may decline more rapidly in simulation-heavy franchise modes.
The players ranked 11 through 50 in NHL 23 contain numerous valuable assets for savvy team builders. These mid-tier players often provide the best value relative to their acquisition cost and salary demands.
Value Identification Strategy:
Look for players with specialized high ratings in key areas rather than focusing solely on overall numbers. A defenseman with 90 slap shot power or a forward with 92 speed can provide specific advantages that complement your team’s playing style.
Development Potential Assessment:
Younger players in the 11-50 range often have significant growth potential through development programs and increased ice time.
Action Checklist
- Analyze your preferred playing style to determine which elite players best fit your system
- Build balanced lines with complementary skills rather than stacking one line
- Identify 2-3 value players from the 11-50 range to round out your roster
- Monitor player development curves in franchise mode to maximize long-term value
- Experiment with different defensive pairings to optimize both offensive and defensive coverage
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