Defenseman Rob Scuderi broke the proverbial bank today, scoring a four-year, $13.6 million deal with the LA Kings this afternoon. Much like Ryan Malone last season, this was a player who clearly signed for much more than he could have ever hoped to receive from Pittsburgh.

"The Piece" had three goals and 30 assists in his five-year, 300-game career with the Pens. But his impact was not one normally seen on the scoresheet, where he became one of the team's best defensemen and was one of their top penalty killers. He had a fantastic Stanley Cup Finals, driving up his price with each crucial defensive stop.

Combined with the loss of Hal Gill yesterday, the Penguins' defensive depth has taken an immediate hit in the early stages of free agency. Considering their relatively narrow cap space, keep your eyes and ears open for Ray Shero potentially filling this need via trade.

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