Parise walked out on the Devils, Lou didn't even have a chance to have a meaningful discussion with him, yet alone talk salary. Parise is a quitter in my eyes. Sorry. As for patchwork free-agents: Carter worked out well, Bernier has been great, Jagr was very good, and unlike most I do like when he signs former Devils because they know the system. It's smart. Every ex-Devil worked out pretty well, so I really don't get all the hate people have for Lou when he signs former players.
The man knows what he's doing and is an expert. So let him do his damn job and stop the whining.