That is not guaranteed at all. Yes, that is where we currently are in the standings, but the standings are close enough for that not to be a sure thing. We could easily slip back to 3rd or even 4th in the standings, however unlikely that may be. Which means the lottery could push us back to 5th or 6th.

Most of the "major" scouts did have him that high or trending in that direction before he got hurt, and most of them are copy cats, anyway. I have watched a ton of most of these guys, less so when it comes to European leagues, though. If Lindstrom can continue playing the same way he did before injury when he comes back in a week or so, everyones final rankings will have him in the top 5. But, I wouldn't be so sure that "none of those forwards will be there".

There are a lot of teams lower in the standings that need D more than anything else. So if we slip back in the draft order, which is still entirely possible, the forwards could absolutely still be there. We just happen to be a team who doesn't need D as badly as most. We need top of the lineup forwards most of all. Aside from Bedard and maybe Reichel, we have two guys who could MAYBE play in the top 6, in Nazar and Moore. So, imo, that should be the priority. Plus, I don't believe for a second that Levshunov will be the BPA anywhere in the top 5.

Fair point. I think Bedard and Demidov could make a sexy top line. Ideally TB misses the playoffs and that pick is closer to 11-13 ish and Tig Iginla is available. That would be dope!! Bedard Demidov/ Iginla is sweet!!
I highly doubt the Hawks win enough games to climb in the standings past maybe SJ.