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Now that the 2023 Draft Lottery has passed, it seems like an appropriate time to release a mock draft for the upcoming 2023 NHL Draft, where the Chicago Blackhawks will possess the first overall pick, and the Anaheim Ducks will possess the second overall pick.

#1: Chicago Blackhawks - Connor Bedard, C/RW, Regina Pats (WHL)

This is, and has been, the obvious selection since people started making mock drafts for this draft. Bedard is a dynamic, two-way talent who could become a top-5 centre in the NHL one day. He posted extraordinary numbers in the WHL, with 71 goals and 72 assists for 143 points, in just 57 games. Pro-rated over a full WHL season, he would've had 85 goals and 86 assists for 171 points in 68 games, which would be good for 13th on the all-time WHL scoring record for one season. Bedard will likely immediately make the jump to the NHL, but it's still up for debate who he'll get to play with, as the Blackhawks are in the midst of a rebuild.

#2: Anaheim Ducks - Adam Fantilli, C/LW, U. of Michigan (Big-10)

The Ducks had the best odds for winning the Crosby lottery back in 2005, and had the best odds for winning the Bedard lottery now in 2023. They came second in both lotteries. In 2005, their consolation prize was Bobby Ryan. This time around, their consolation prize is Adam Fantilli. Similar to Bedard, Fantilli had extremely good numbers in the Big-10 of the NCAA. He had 30 goals and 35 assists, good for 65 points, in just 36 games. He projects to become a top line player for the Ducks, and could be NHL-ready by this season. He'd likely play with one or more of Trevor Zegras, Mason McTavish, and/or Troy Terry.

#3: Columbus Blue Jackets - Leo Carlsson, C/LW, Orebro HK (SHL)

Here, the Blue Jackets realistically could have three options. First is who we have them select here in Leo Carlsson, who's a big and strong playmaker who can play centre or the wing, both of which are positions of need for the Blue Jackets. Second is Matvei Michkov, who's an intriguing project in Russia, and third is Will Smith, the projected top American skater. It makes the most sense for the Blue Jackets to take Carlsson here, because they need a centre who can man their top line if Kent Johnson moves to wing. He might be a year away from the NHL though, but he could get some chances here and there like Columbus did with Jiricek.

#4: San Jose Sharks - Will Smith, C, U.S. National Development Team (NTDP)

The Sharks here have two feasible options. The first is Matvei Michkov, but the second option, who we have them taking here, is centre Will Smith. He has a ridiculous stat-line this season, with 51 goals and 76 assists for 127 points in just 60 games in the NTDP. The Sharks do have both William Eklund and Thomas Bordeleau in the pipeline, both of which could become solid top six centres, but Will Smith could be the guy who becomes the long term first line centre once Tomas Hertl and Logan Couture are gone from the Sharks. He's a good, fast skater, and a skilled player in general. Smith is the correct pick for the Sharks here.

#5: Montreal Canadiens - Matvei Michkov, RW, Sochi HC (KHL)

Matvei Michkov is an extremely interesting case. On one hand, he was seen as a potential second overall selection before the year started, and was viewed to have the best (albeit low) chance to overtake Bedard as the 1st overall selection. He even currently has 20 points in 27 games with Sochi HC, the worst team in the KHL. However, his contract in the KHL (which ends at the end of the 2025-26 season) and the current situation in Russia raises concerns for any GM that chooses to select him. The Habs should be willing to wait for Michkov to arrive, considering their prospect pool is far enough along to be able to draft BPA over positional need.