Couple notes.
First, the Red Wings have only had 5 more picks than the Leafs over the past decade. They've had only 6 first round picks compared to the Leafs 9.
Secondly, when you listen to the Red Wings talk about development, thye actively mention that their model is BECAUSE they haven't had top picks to use, which has led to them taking a more patient approach. They have gone as far as to say imply by omission that had they had a top ten pick, that player's development would change dramatically.
Thirdly, the Leafs are developing this sort of strategy and have been doing it for a while now. You're basically complaining about something that doesn't exist anymore. Basically it's been Rielly that has made it fast. Kadri was held for a long time. Basically Schenn was the last player we had that was rushed (it's too early to suggest Rielly might have been, he clearly fits in the Detroit idea of an exception since he's a high pick).
People need to stop complaining about things they clearly ignore.
I think that people complain because the Leafs simply don't know how to develop in general.
Who was the last player that they truly developed?
I don't count Kadri because he was up and down and that isn't really a development in my eyes.
You can list players in the Detroit system that they are currently using and that list is very impressive.
Morgan Rielly wasn't developed. He was picked in the 1st round and then he played.
Bozak - free agent, played right away
Clarkson - free agent
Holland - drafted by Anaheim, spent half a season with the Marlies and Leafs
Kadri - like I said, I wouldn't count it
Kessel - traded for
Lupul - traded for
JVR - traded for
Phaneuf - traded for
Gardiner - traded for
Franson - traded for
Bernier - traded for
Everyone else - free agent
Reimer - Developed
Really the only player that has actually developed through the Leafs system is James Reimer. That's pathetic.
Here's Detroits list:
Abdelkader - 2 1/2 years with Grand Rapids
Andersson - 2 years with GR
Nyqvist - 2 1/2 years with GR
Ericsson - 2 years with GR
Kronwall - 2 years
Brendan Smith - 2 years
Riley Sheahan - 2 years
.... the list goes on
Its crazy to think about what a good system can do for a team. The same team that hasn't missed the playoffs in over 20 years.
So while they have this method of having to wait for players, it still works remarkably well. They've also chosen to trade out of the 1st round in multiple years.