The New York Rangers' 2025-26 season didn't go the way that anyone expected, as they went from playoff hopefuls to finishing last in the entire Eastern Conference. The roster is overhauled, with the likes of Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck no longer on the team, while adding Pavel Dorofeyev, Sean Durzi, and Marcus Pettersson. The hope from general manager Chris Drury is that these new additions are enough to bring the Rangers back to the playoffs.
One player who seems to be on the outside looking in is forward and fan favorite Matt Rempe. Last season, Rempe missed a significant chunk of the season due to a thumb injury. With that, fans saw younger players like Adam Sykora, Tye Kartye, and Jaroslav Chmelar play well late in the season. Even though the Rangers are still searching for depth at forward, that doesn't mean Rempe is a lock to make the roster. However, he may have one advantage working in his favor.
The Athletic's Peter Baugh recently answered a question about Rempe's status with the team in a mailbag article. Baugh noted that if the Rangers were to send Rempe down to the AHL, he would need to clear waivers. However, if the Rangers keep Rempe up, Baugh says that it doesn't mean he'll be on the opening night roster, and that he'd need to battle other younger players for a spot.
Matt Rempe may have to win roster spot in Rangers' training camp
"Rempe will need to clear waivers this year to go to the AHL, so don’t be surprised if New York wants to avoid risking losing him for nothing and keeps him on the active roster to start the year," writes Baugh. "That, of course, doesn’t guarantee a spot in the opening-night lineup. If the team is fully healthy, Rempe will likely battle Chmelar, Sykora and potentially rookies like Liam Greentree and Cole Beaudoin for roles. Training camp will be important for Rempe, both to show he’s recovered from his thumb injury and to rediscover some of the swagger he played with to start 2025-26."
Even though the Rangers look like they don't want to send Rempe down to the minor leagues so he won't get claimed off waivers, that still doesn't guarantee that he will be a lock to make the roster.
As mentioned, Sykora was one of the main bright spots down the stretch of the season. In 11 games, Sykora scored three goals and dished out one assist while averaging 11:10 of ice time. Chmelar, meanwhile, recorded four goals and two assists in 28 games played.
There is also the slim possibility that one of the top prospects they've acquired this year, such as Cole Beaudoin or Liam Greentree, impress head coach Mike Sullivan enough to make the opening night roster.
So even though he does have waivers working in his favor, Rempe isn't a lock to make the roster, and hed knows it.
Matt Rempe knows he'll need to earn his spot on Rangers roster next season
Before Thursday's Shoulder Check Showcase exhibition game in Connecticut, Rempe spoke with reporters about this upcoming season. Rempe said that he is "extremely motivated" to earn his spot on the roster, as he's set to enter the final year of his contract.
“I played nine games, and after that, I was shelved. I got a lot to prove," said Rempe, h/t Mollie Walker of the New York Post. "I got to showcase myself and come back a lot stronger. Most motivated you can be.”
Rempe became a fan favorite for his willingness to play with a nasty streak, whether it's hitting the opposing player or dropping the gloves in a fight. When it comes to production, he hasn't shown to be a consistent double-digit goal scorer just yet in his three seasons with the team.
In 85 total games, Rempe recorded five goals and six assists. He does, however, have 253 hits and 149 penalty minutes to his credit.
The Rangers may not have the best prospect pipeline, but during Rempe's absence, fans saw glimpses of promise late in the season when they had no hopes of making the playoffs. So, Rempe will have his work cut out for him. That means he will have to show he can be reliable and can contribute as needed. Training camp will be an important one for Rempe, especially as Sullivan tries to construct the bottom six forward group. Will Rempe be able to earn his spot? Or will a high upside prospect earn their spot instead?
Add us as a preferred source on Google