I haven't read through the entire thread but from what I have read, I think this opinion makes the most sense to me. If the thought is that we are just a single development year away from filling this 2C role from within our organization, why spend much in the way of future capital for this season? This is not going to be our year to make a deep playoff run. At best this season, with or without this 'missing piece', we could possibly win maybe one playoff series. (I did say at best).
Save that future capital to build for 2-3 years out. Our goalie of the future should be ready by then and hopefully our core youth has developed by then too. If they are looking to acquire a 2C now, that player should fit into the 2-3 year plan for a run, not just a player brought in for a push this season. I would like to take that playoff step this season too but not at the expense of a more realistic 2-3 year push.