Pete was part of the problem, not the only part of the problem, and he wasn't going to be part of the solution. We can't be much worse off without him than we were with him, so I don't miss him a bit. Even the improvement of Larsson was worth kicking him to the curb in my opinion.
This team still needs a good permanent head coach who definitely isn't Oates (and hopefully isn't Stevens either), an upgraded roster with some more forwards who actually have some semblance of offensive skills, and more youth at the forward position. It's assets are Cory and the young defense, who can sometimes have off games due to relative inexperience. Ideally, we would get a coach who could capitalize on those strengths and develop our young defensemen well. That's what I would most hope for at this point.
Larsson could be a big part of the team, so I will agree with that. But as far as winning games go, I don't see how Deboer was a problem. In 2011-12, he got more out of the Devils than any previous coach since their last cup. In 2013, No Parise, and the team lost Kovy in its final stretch and went on a 10 game losing streak to miss the playoffs, despite the team out chancing almost every team in that stretch. Last year he coached a roster that just lost Parise and Kovy and came within a few shootout wins from getting in. The Shootout last year really summarized what Deboer was dealing with. A team with at least a little talent would have won a few shootouts and got themselves into the playoffs.
Also, in regards to ZBC's comment, the missing the playoffs 6 of 7 years arguement really holds no water. If you're gonna bring up that, bring up some context. Tell us what teams he coached and what rosters he had. You're only using the part of the picture you want and are being pretty unfairly biased.
Devils use to make the playoffs consistently, and set an expectation for fans every year. The difference now is that this team is simply worse. This is the worst roster the Devils have iced in 20 or so years. Look at those rosters and the points those players were capable of putting up and compare it the group of has beens we have now. I think it's time to see it for what it is.
Having said that, things can change quickly. One good offseason could really transform a team for the better moving forward.