Feb 6, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Rob Scuderi (4) skates during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Pittsburgh Penguins won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
1. Rob Scuderi
Not only has Rob Scuderi never looked to be worth the money that is owed to him, a staggering $3 million during the upcoming season, but he has oftentimes been a downright liability to the Penguins.
When he was signed back to the squad in 2013 by one of his biggest fans, former GM Ray Shero, more than a few eyebrows were raised. Was this mediocre, aging defenseman really worth a four-year deal that inflicted a $3.375 million cap hit upon the team each season?
The answer has been an unequivocal no. Scuderi has disappointed at every turn, as he makes sloppy decisions with the puck, contributes next to nothing offensively and is taking up space on a team that could utilize any number of the younger, cheaper, higher-quality blue liners at their disposal.
With Shero assuming the general manager duties in New Jersey, maybe Rutherford can manage to pawn this enormous mistake of a contract on to its originator. However, it is hard to imagine that anyone, even Shero, could be so foolish. Instead, it seems likely that Scuderi is heading for a buyout.
But until this dismal defenseman has been officially removed from the roster, he will continue to be the face of the team’s contractual futility.
Next: Trade Ramblings Part Deux: The Market is Being Primed