On Wednesday, Jan. 8th, New York Rangers fan-favorite forward enforcer Matt Rempe met with the media in the locker room following practice
The 22-year-old elbowed and boarded Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen during New York’s 3-1 win in December. He was given a game misconduct for the play. The NHL Department of Player Safety suspended Rempe for eight games as a result.
While he was previously sent back down to Hartford — since veteran Chris Kreider was placed on IR, Rempe was recalled. Meaning, the 6'9", 255 pound player has now served all necessary games of his suspension and will be eligible for play in Thursday's matchup against New Jersey.
Here's what Rempe said when discussing his latest developments and how he hopes to move forward:
Significant 1/08/25 Quotes from Rempe
"I get paid to play hockey so it's a dream come true, especially to do it in New York — even just watching from the stands the last couple of games, it's such a special place," Rempe said. "It's an honor to play for the fans and everyone. I've got to be smarter, bring that energy, more controlled, but be smarter."
"I've got to still play my game but also, that can't happen again. If it does it's going to be a a huge suspension so I've got to be a lot smarter. I don't have to make every hit, if that makes sense," Rempe said. "I'm so big and I can get going so I've got to be able to pick my hits and know its going to be a good hit. I can make an impact with that."
"Guys are trying to duck out of the way at the last second, I can't let anything like that happen ... I've got to be more controlled," Rempe said. "I'm only going to make it if i I know it's going to be a clean hit, I've got to veer on the side of caution and keep it clean."
“I’ve got to be smarter. Bring that energy, but more controlled. Be smarter," Rempe said.
Up Next
Rempe is eligible for play as of now — having not seen game action since Dec. 20th.
Puck drop is slated at Madison Square Garden for the Rangers to host the New Jersey Devils at 7:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, Jan. 9th.