I disrespect some of my fav players play away from the puck, i a dman in youth hockey, appreciative of play away from the puck.
I went to games in the '80's & '90's and saw Bure, Coffey and a MLD regular make vulture-like circulars mid-ice, awaiting turnovers and rushes against. TV NEVER shows such unabashed waisted effort (except once with Cliff Ronning i recall - a non-ATD pick ever) until they receive a miraculous pass and surges on the counterattack.
I saw this in the building live in Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto and Detroit (when i was in Ottawa and Montreal i saw none of the aforementioned play by these guys; i saw American opponents there).