Is it though? Let's assume that the players they get at 12 and the extra late firsts are what most of those picks are when they are considered "hits" for that spot (e.g., not getting a steal that turns out better than expected but rather are what you would expect from those selections).
At 12 you're getting most likely a second line guy that can play top line minutes and the PP or a #2 defender that can kill penalties and play PP. At the end of the draft you're getting a middle six guy and a second pair guy.
At 4 you're getting a top liner or a top pair guy. Those guys are infinitely harder to get than the guys you will get at 12 or the end of the draft. I agree 100% they need to get as many good players as possible, but at the same time as we have seen with the teams that are actually being successful, one thing they all have in common are top of the draft talents (read: top five picks).
Yes I know that they should have sucked this year and they wouldn't be in this position, but it's a little late for that and that doesn't mean they shouldn't try to move up. It sucks and isn't ideal, but you don't just throw your hands up and say "f*** it let's pick here and hope for the best." If years down the road Demidov is a superstar and our pick #12 busts all we'll here about is how stupid the Flyers were for not trading up.
