Over the course of his 12 years as one of the premier defensive defensemen in the NHL, Rob Scuderi let his play do the talking for him. 

So, it’s no wonder that in retirement the 45-year-old Syosset native is not interested in rehashing the past and talking about his career that includes an NCAA championship and a pair of Stanley Cup titles. He’s more focused on the present and the future. 

Since retiring in 2017, Scuderi has been devoted to helping develop the next generation of hockey players, both in his job as a defense development coach with the Nashville Predators and serving as an assistant coach with his son Brett’s Nassau County Lions 13U AA team. 

“I’m pretty humble about what I’ve done,” said Scuderi, who was recently inducted into the Boston College Athletic Hall of Fame. “I don’t want it to be at the forefront of what we’re trying to do with the kids. I’m always somewhat uncomfortable talking about myself anyway, so it works out. 

“We’re there for the kids and to develop their games and their personalities as they grow into adults. That’s the most important part.” 

And what’s important this season has been getting his players prepared to deal with the introduction of legal body checking into their games. After spending several seasons working on the proper techniques of body contact, Scuderi and the rest of the Lions coaching staff have been focused on getting their teenaged players to play the right way. 

“The thing that’s tough is they think they can hit now so they go out of their way for big hits, which are unnecessary and usually take them out of the play,” Scuderi said. 

“What they don’t realize is that they were probably doing it better last year when they were basically just separating the man from the puck, playing through their hands and trying to gain possession of the puck. That’s what physical contact is for.” 

Solid advice from a defender who had a career plus-25 rating despite facing other team’s top players night after night. 

Whether he’s working with a 13-year-old or a budding minor leaguer on the cusp of making it to the NHL, Scuderi draws on the benefit of having learned from some of the best coaches in the game, such as the legendary Jerry York, who was his coach for four years at Boston College, to a number of coaches he played for in the NHL. 

One coach who had an impact on his current coaching philosophy is former Los Angeles Kings head coach Terry Murray. After helping the Pittsburgh Penguins win the Stanley Cup in 2009, Scuderi signed on with the Kings to help solidify their young defensive corps. Watching how Murray worked with his younger teammates left an impression that he’s carried with him as he works with the next generation of hockey players. 

“I thought he had this level of patience that applies to the youth hockey game. You can’t get hung up on one thing. You have to give them a chance to work out of it,” he said. “You might say three strikes and you’re out when you’re a professional, but for a kid, it’s got to be quadruple that.” 

In addition to his work with the Lions, Scuderi has continued to work with the Predators, who hired him in 2020 after John Hynes was named head coach. Always thought of as another coach on the ice during his playing days, Scuderi has had a hand in developing not only the Predators future D corps but also working with forwards to bolster their defensive habits. 

His time spent away has impacted the role he has played with his sons’ team, but Scuderi is happy to pitch in where and when he can. Changes in the Predators coaching staff have provided him with more time at home, which makes him happy. Despite his pedigree, Scuderi considers himself just another member of Chris Black’s coaching staff with the Lions. Still, with a long history in the game, he’s quick to offer suggestions or share one of his favorite drills to help emphasize a specific skill the staff wants to focus on. 

And while he would never say never if asked to take on an expanded role with the Predators or another NHL club, at the moment Scuderi is happy to be back home on Long Island and spending so much time with his family. 

“I love where I am right now,” he said. “My kids are still young, I’ve got a soon to be 13-year-old and a 9-year-old, so there are parts of their lives I want to be involved with. And the job I have now allows me the flexibility to do my job, but also be at home when I need to be. 

“I have a very nice balance in my life, so I’m enjoying what I’m doing. I wouldn’t turn my back on an opportunity to advance, but certainly I’m willing to pay my dues and do it the correct way.”