When Scuderi signed a four-year, $13.5-million contract with Pittsburgh prior to the start of 2013-14, the Penguins thought they were getting the shutdown defenseman who helped lead them to a championship five seasons ago. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case as time seemed to catch up to the 35-year-old in a big way. His contract hangs more like an albatross in a salary-capped world, with an Average Annual Value of $3.375 million cap hit for three more seasons. From a fantasy perspective, Scuderi blocks shots - he had 90 in 53 contests last year - but scored only four points (all assists). The Pens are looking for a rebound campaign from the Long Island native, but the blueliner has never totaled more than 16 points in any of his 10 NHL seasons.
Scuderi returns home to the team that drafted him after a profitable four-year stint with the Los Angeles Kings which included a Stanley Cup ring. Scuderi is the ultimate defensive defenseman who's never scored more than 16 points in any of his nine NHL campaigns. He's averaged just under one hit and less than two blocks per game since the league officially recorded the stats three seasons ago. If anything, he'll help Pittsburgh goaltenders more than he'll help fantasy teams who roster the 34-year-old. He means much more to the Penguins than he does to poolies.
Scuderi enjoyed another fine season as a steady, stay-at-home defenseman. He'll likely pair with Drew Doughty to form the team's top unit, but he'll be lucky to put up a dozen points.
Scuderi's stay-at-home style is beneficial to the Kings' defensive effort but doesn't give you much for your fantasy squad. He'll be on one of the team's top two defensive pairs but doesn't get enough power-play time so he'll need to collect his points at even strength.
Scuderi gives the Kings a veteran, defense-first presence on the blue line, but that's not a winning combination if you are seeking any fantasy titles. He'll be a nightly fixture on the Kings' blue line; he just doesn't offer anything from a fantasy perspective.
He's a shut-down, penalty-killing blueliner who's biggest impact to the Kings won't be on the scoresheet. He doesn't score or rack up the PIMs so he's pretty much irrelevant in fantasy circles but he'll give the Kings a much-needed veteran presence on the blueline.
Scuderi is one of coach Michel Therrien's favorites. He has little fantasy value -- two goals and 21 assists in 219 NHL contests -- but will stick with the Pens as long as Therrien remains head coach.
Scuderi appears to be on the bubble in terms of breaking camp with the Penguins in 2007-08. There's virtually no fantasy excitement in his game -- one goal and 10 assists, with 28 PIM in 78 games -- but he's the type of defensive-oriented player that helps make the Penguins a complete team.
The 28-year-old stay-at-home defenseman cracked Pittsburgh's defensive lineup last year, registering four assists and 36 penalty minutes in 57 games. He should see consistent time with the team in 2006, but won't produce from a fantasy perspective.
The 26-year-old defender is a steady blueliner who takes pride in his defensive work. The Pens thought enough of Scuderi to give him a two-year, one-way deal. He could mirror his minor league stats with 20-25 points. While he won't pile up many penalty minutes, he could be a decent plus-minus performer.