The first two selections seem rather obvious at this point, but what happens after that? We've got a mock to feed your curiosity.

Chicago has won the right to draft Regina Pats center Connor Bedard with the first overall pick in the 2023 draft. And while that top selection is a no-brainer, given how Bedard dominated both domestically and internationally, there are other high-end players in the class who will be wondering where they're going when the draft hits Nashville this summer.

So let's just get into it with an Instant Mock Draft, shall we? We've got a wild card in Matvei Michkov, we've got way more enticing forwards than defensemen this year and some intriguing franchises who haven't picked this high in a while. Let the mock begin.

1. Chicago - Connor Bedard, C, Regina Pats: The Blackhawks are looking at a long rebuild, but it probably got a couple years shorter now that they can put Bedard in their No. 1 center slot. Not only is he incredibly gifted offensively, but he has the fire and drive to put a team on his back.

2. Anaheim - Adam Fantilli, C, Michigan Wolverines: With his combination of size, speed and skill, Fantilli gives the Ducks another awesome option up front, joining a crew that already has Trevor Zegras and Mason McTavish. Though he could return to college, Fantilli could also easily suit up for the Ducks right away next season.

3. Columbus - Matvei Michkov, RW, Sochi/SKA: I think the Jackets will do it. If they believe Michkov can be the incredible offensive talent he has been so far in his career, he'll be worth the wait (his KHL contract doesn't expire until spring of 2026). And let's not forget: Had the Jackets not been ravaged by injuries, they probably would have been pretty decent this season.

4. San Jose - Leo Carlsson, C, Orebro: The Sharks have an OK pipeline right now, but it's fair to say the rebuild will get serious thanks to this draft. Carlsson is a big, talented forward who projects as a center and probably only needs one more year in Sweden before he comes over. Bonus: He had great chemistry with Sharks prospect Filip Bystedt at the world juniors.

5. Montreal - Will Smith, C, NTDP: The Habs passed on a center last year at No. 1, but they can get a high-end pivot this time with Smith, the Boston College commit who helmed the NTDP's top line this season. An elite playmaker, Smith is seen as one of the most talented players in the draft and Montreal could use a pivot like him.

6. Arizona - Dalibor Dvorsky, C, AIK: True, the Coyotes already have centers Logan Cooley and Conor Geekie in the pipeline, but at this point you have to collect as many top assets as possible. Dvorsky, a Slovakian national playing in Sweden, has excellent vision and compete, and he really made a final statement at the world under-18s.

7. Philadelphia - Oliver Moore, C, NTDP: The Flyers grabbed an NTDP pivot last year in Cutter Gauthier, but they could still use help down the middle and Moore is an enticing one. Seen as the fastest skater in the draft, the University of Minnesota commit is also a gamer with great work ethic who can put up points.

8. Washington - Zach Benson, LW, Winnipeg: As the Caps begin to restock the prospect cupboards, they're going to need skill and Benson is one of the craftiest, blending talent, quickness and a great motor. He's not the biggest kid in the rink but he always finds a way to make an impression on the scoreboard.

9. Detroit - Brayden Yager, C, Moose Jaw: It feels like the Red Wings could still use some centers in the system, despite taking Marco Kasper last year. Yager is a shoot-first pivot with an elite shot and he brings a complete game to the table. I know some folks have been down on him lately, but the kid produces and will continue to grow.

10. St. Louis - Ryan Leonard, RW, NTDP: Leonard really feels like a Blues pick. The Boston College commit has an incredible motor and compete level, marrying it with underrated skill and a nice one-timer. He can play up and down a lineup and comes from a family of athletes, which includes older brother John Leonard of the Nashville Predators.

11. Vancouver - David Reinbacher, D, Kloten: Based on their Future Watch top 10 (shameless plug), it feels like the Canucks need a blueliner in this draft and Reinbacher is at the top of the pile. He's got size, mobility and mental maturity, though he still needs to fill out his frame and unlock the offense. There's time for that, however.

12. Arizona (from OTT) - Axel Sandin Pellikka, D, Skelleftea: With the Coyotes taking a forward with their first pick, let's go with blueliner ASP here. He's a bit undersized, but nobody questions his talent. His skating, puck-moving ability and puck management skills make him the type of new-school defender teams are really into right now.

13. Buffalo - Eduard Sale, LW, Kometa Brno: The Sabres have an excellent pipeline rolling and it has already paid dividends - Sale can add to that cohort. He's a natural finisher with great speed and a good frame. I thought he looked sharp at the world juniors with Czechia and while his numbers against men back home weren't huge, he's still young.

14. Pittsburgh - Andrew Cristall, LW, Kelowna: Besides Michkov, Cristall is another big X-factor because his production and offensive skill set are unquestioned, but his size and skating aren't great. Of course, Jake Guentzel wasn't an obvious NHLer when Pittsburgh drafted him and that one worked out pretty well in the end.

15. Nashville - Gabe Perreault, RW, NTDP: OK, I'm going a bit cute here because the Preds are hosting the draft and Perreault is the son of former Nashville center Yanic Perreault. But the kid had a record-breaking offensive season with the NTDP and he'll get a chance to pick up his pace and get stronger at Boston College next year.

16. Calgary - Colby Barlow, LW, Owen Sound: This is Best Player Available for the Flames, who really need a bit of everything as a win-now team. Barlow is a shooter and a goal-scorer, but really expanded his 200-foot game with the Attack this season, making him one of the most enticing players coming out of the OHL.