The picks versus prospects "debate" is getting some attention in the blogosphere and Philly press. It's interesting to me. If you want quicker results with some expected outcomes, the prospect route makes sense. If you want to stockpile at low cost, the picks make sense. We know the Flyers are seeing 25 and under as cut-point. After that, it beats me what they do. From my vantage, a game-changing forward still rates highest as an organizational priority, but what the hell do I know? Meanwhile, it would surprise me if Walker is still around post-March 8th.
Another question MIGHT be whether they expend any draft or veteran capital to acquire a backup goalie? Assuming CH is history, do they want Sam to get a breather with someone other than Petersen or Sandstrom? They might say--what the hell, let's get through the season and take it from there. Or they might want a seasoned vet or prospect with some juice. I know we have folks in the draft pipeline, but how long will it be before we see them...and in the case of the Russians...will we ever see them?
The command staff are playing a long game. From that vantage, Atkinson and Laughton, even if they aren't rentals, are expendable.