I find these types of arguments interesting. A player who is developing needs to be in a position to succeed and to mentored. The Hershey/Caps partnership has been a solid approach. Hershey wants to win. It also benefits the Caps to have their prospects in a winning environment and being around veterans to help them grow. Another plus is having veterans such as Sgarbossa around. He isn't destined to be a regular NHL player, but he's an elite AHL player and can fill in at the NHL level as we saw this season. As someone who was seen most of the Hershey games over the last 30+ years and also lucky enough to be a scout whose assignment was mostly AHL & Collegiate players in the area, I've been fortunate enough to see many young talents come and go. The AHL is much different than juniors, collegiate, and European leagues. The AHL is much closer to the level of play in the NHL than those leagues. Some don't make it, not due to their talent, but due to their mental makeup and inability to act like a 'pro'. Others who are considered borderline talent-wise, have incredible work ethic, grow as a player, as a person, and succeed.
Playing someone and putting them into critical situations just because they were a draft pick isn't a recipe for success.