Should Matt Rempe be an 82 Game Player this Season?

The 2024-25 season is one month away, and Matt Rempe has high hopes.

Known for being a fighter on the ice, the physical forward was selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Most recently, the Canadian has been working extremely hard in both the off and preseason in order to fill a spot on the team's fourth line.

Rempe played in 17 regular-season games and several playoff games last year for the Rangers. Standing at 6'9", he is expected to provide the team with size, strength and a player who can intimidate the opposition.

“I want to be a player. I want to be a hockey player. (Fighting) is a part of the game and it’s a nice tool to have, but I want to be a fast, physical player first.”

Rempe doesn't mind taking on the responsibilities of a NHL player who can deliver punishing hits and send guys over the wall on a regular basis. But he wants to be more than someone who can fight and throw big hits. It is clear based on his previous statements that he just wants to contribute in whatever way he is needed while also building his reputation.

And how he's been acting in Training Camp and preseason show his intentions. He has practiced with pace and confidence while excelling in conditioning drills, grabbing head coach Peter Laviolette's attention in the process.

"He came in in excellent shape ... He trained hard this summer off the ice. He trained hard on the ice. He tried to work on all aspects of his game to come back in and give himself the best chance. But there's no question, he's in very good shape."

So, should he see ice time all 82 games?

Likely not. No matter how hard he's worked in the offseason and in preseason, going from 17 games played last season to 82 appearances this season would be quite a jump.

But, us here at Blue Line Station are open to the idea. As an individual, I for one am a particular fan of the more physical side of the NHL and would enjoy seeing Rempe on the ice more frequently.

And it sounds like that could be a good thing with him focusing more on the skill side as of late. Last year, the Rangers played to win last and they wound up on top after 82 games — lifting the Presidents' Trophy.

The point is, Rempe wants to do whatever it takes to help the team achieve that again. He doesn't just want to be a fighter, he wants to be a player.

“I highly prioritize the skills and the skating. I’ve got to become a better player, so that’s what I’ve got to work on. I think I’ve taken big strides this summer with that.”