Emerging Rangers forwards are creating a hard road back for this fan favorite

Since signaling a retool, the New York Rangers have opened the door for internal competition and several depth players are taking full advantage. Opportunities for Adam Sýkora and Jaroslav Chmelař, paired with strong contributions from Noah Laba and Tye Kartye, have begun to reshape the outlook of the Rangers’ bottom six. In turn, it raises legitimate questions about the long-term roster security of Matt Rempe.

Injuries and opportunity have created separation

It’s been a difficult season for Rempe, who has not played since Feb. 6 after undergoing a second hand surgery stemming from an early-season fight with Ryan Reaves. Prior to that,  the towering forward was sidelined for 24 games due to the same injury. His absence this season has halted any momentum he built the year prior.

While Rempe has been unavailable, others within the organization have surpassed the void that his unavailability created.

Kartye seizes his opportunity

Claimed off waivers from the Seattle Kraken in late February, Kartye has quickly turned a fresh start into a statement.

The 24-year-old has played everywhere in the lineup with ease, earning trust in multiple roles while delivering consistency. His impact has extended beyond his expected energy depth role, including the penalty kill. However, it’s his offensive production that has stood out most. Through his first 16 games in New York, Kartye has recorded nine points (3G, 6A), surpassing his output in Seattle in significantly less games played.

A relentless forechecker with above-average skating ability, Kartye is inserting pace and energy to the Rangers. With another year remaining on his contract, he is increasingly looking like a piece of the solution moving forward.

Chmelař brings a reliable edge

Chmelař’s emergence has provided another steady presence during an otherwise turbulent season. A fifth-round pick in 2021, the homegrown forward has taken a long road to the NHL but is beginning to establish himself during his second stint with the club.

He plays a direct, hard game, combining speed with assertive forecheck pressure. While his offensive production has yet to fully translate at any professional level, there is skill in his game. More importantly, his ability to disrupt opponents and create discomfort has drawn praise from the coaching staff — filling a role similar to Rempe’s, but with greater versatility.

Sýkora injects tenacity  and… offense

After two full seasons with the Hartford Wolf Pack, Sýkora has finally earned his opportunity on Broadway while making an immediate impact. 

The 21 year old has scored twice in his first three NHL games, an eye-catching start for a player who has yet to eclipse 30 points in a professional season. While his early 28.6% shooting percentage suggests regression is likely, his impact goes well beyond the scoresheet.

Sýkora’s motor and relentless forechecking ability have been evident from the jump. His compete level has stood out on a team that has, at times, lacked consistent energy. Long term, he projects as a bottom-six contributor, but one capable of setting a tone.

Lamb’s hot start in Hartford

Another name worth monitoring is Brody Lamb, who recently turned pro following a four-year NCAA career.

Lamb has hit the ground running with Hartford, posting six points (2 goals, 4 assists) in his first seven games, including a four-game point streak. While his production may regress, considering his pedestrian collegiate numbers, his early success is an encouraging sign that he can adapt to the professional level and potentially factor into the Rangers’ depth picture sooner rather than later. 

A bottom six logjam 

All of this comes without factoring in Adam Edstrom, who has also contributed in a depth role and offers a similar physical profile to Rempe, with more offensive upside.

Add in established pieces like Will Cuylle and Noah Laba, and the Rangers suddenly find themselves with a surplus of capable bottom-six options. 

What it means for Rempe

With multiple players carving out roles, Rempe’s path back into the lineup next year is becoming increasingly unclear. Barring roster movement, the numbers game alone presents a significant obstacle.

What once looked like a fun long-term project now faces a far more uncertain future.