The highly anticipated 2023 NHL Draft is rapidly approaching, bringing with it a wave of excitement and anticipation. In the days leading up to the draft, numerous developments are expected to unfold, potentially reshaping the entire landscape of the event.

Trade discussions are in full swing, teams are engaging in meetings with Matvei Michkov, and speculations and rumors are bound to circulate intensively.

Constructing a mock draft entails a significant amount of speculation and guesswork. Teams tend to be tight-lipped about their preferences and often employ diversionary tactics to mislead others. Attempting to predict the second round of the draft adds another layer of complexity. It's akin to navigating through unpredictable territory.

Given the multitude of variables in play, including the likelihood of impending trades, all we can do at this stage is explore realistic possibilities.

According to Bleacher Report the 2023 NHL Draft Mock is as follows:

1. Chicago Blackhawks: Connor Bedard, C, Regina

2. Anaheim Ducks: Adam Fantilli, C, Michigan

3. Columbus Blue Jackets: Leo Carlsson, C, Orebro

4. San Jose Sharks: Will Smith, C, USA U-18

5. Montreal Canadiens: Matvei Michkov, RW, Ska St. Petersburg

6. Arizona Coyotes: Ryan Leonard, RW, USA U-18

7. Philadelphia Flyers: David Reinbacher, D, Kloten

8. Washington Capitals: Dalibor Dvorský, C, Aik

9. Detroit Red Wings: Zach Benson, LW, Winnipeg

10. St. Louis Blues: Nate Danielson, C, Brandon

11. Vancouver Canucks: Axel Sandin Pellikka, D, Skelleftea Jr.

12. Arizona Coyotes (from Ottawa): Eduard alé, LW, Brno

13. Buffalo Sabres: Tom Willander, D, Rogle Jr.

14. Pittsburgh Penguins: Matthew Wood, RW, Uconn

15. Nashville Predators: Samuel Honzek, LW, Vancouver

16. Calgary Flames: Brayden Yager, C, Moose Jaw

17. Detroit Red Wings (from Islanders via Vancouver): Lukas Dragicevic, D, Tri-City

18. Winnipeg Jets: Oliver Moore, C, USA U-18

19. Chicago Blackhawks (from Tampa Bay): Gabriel Perreault, RW, USA U-18

20. Seattle Kraken: Colby Barlow, LW, Owen Sound

21. Minnesota Wild: Ethan Gauthier, RW, Sherbrooke

22. Philadelphia Flyers (from L.A. via Columbus): Mikhail Gulyayev, D, Omsk Jr.

23. New York Rangers: Lenni Hämeenaho, RW, Assat

24. Nashville Predators (from Edmonton): Oliver Bonk, D, London

25. St. Louis Blues (from Toronto): Otto Stenberg, C, Frolunda Jr.

26. San Jose Sharks (from New Jersey): Calum Ritchie, C, Oshawa

27. Colorado Avalanche: Daniil But, LW, Yaroslavl Jr.

28. Toronto Maple Leafs (from Boston via Washington): Dmitri Simashev, D, Yaroslavl Jr.

29. St. Louis Blues (from Dallas via Rangers): Étienne Morin, D, Moncton

30. Carolina Hurricanes: Quentin Musty, LW, Sudbury

31. Montreal Canadiens (from Florida): Carson Bjarnason, G, Brandon

32. Vegas Golden Knights: Carson Rehkopf, LW, Kitchener