Fayne was a mistake. Wasn't Ryder a response to losing Parise? Havlat and Bobby Butler were 1 year deals that did not impact the Devils in anyway. They were shrewd signings, that if they worked, it would have been a tremendous coup for the Devils.
I looked at the results, and I like what I am seeing. Elite Goalie signed for the next 6 years, a cupboard full of great young defenseman, and a number of early picks in the upcoming draft. 2/3 of the team is set for the long term, but you continue to ignore that.