There's nothing more to say about the previous regime's take on things.
No secrets here: Lou and Conte were able to identify sharp, hardworking, safe players. Zajac, Henrique, Josefson. JQ certainly looks to be in that classic mold. So I'm happy with him, especially at 30.
But I don't think I need to make the case that we need a significant injection of high-end skill and my comments about JQ were more directly related to that.
This is the way the game is going. What guys like Zajac and JQ represent are facets of the game that will always be needed - intelligence, responsibility, hard work - prototypical Devils values. But with less time and space than ever on the ice, I am glad we are making the transition to having our cake and eating it too (smart, safe guys who can also create). You need to move the puck and your feet quickly. To capitalize on chances efficiently. Winning board battles and keeping a smart stick is no longer good enough to keep you in the league. (Not suggesting that JQ will be out of the league quickly or anything either...)