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NHL Insider issues harsh reality check to New York Rangers enforcer Matt Rempe

Originally posted on NY Rangers Insider | By Joshua Deeds | Last updated Dec 25, 2024 3:39 PM ET

Matt Rempe's future is being pondered, as he's serving an eight-game suspension for his brutal hit on Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen. Is Rempe jeopardizing his future with his actions?

The hit happened on Friday night, when Rempe would elbow Heiskanen, plastering him into the boards.

Keep in mind, that Heiskanen didn't have the puck, so the hit wasn't legal or considered a "play."

The hit would be defined as 'Elbowing/Boarding' by the NHL's Department of Player Safety in a hearing on Sunday.

NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman didn't spare any criticism when it came to giving Rempe a reality check on his actions.

The suspension was justified according to Friedman.

"He deserved the suspension for it and all I can say is I hope he learns his lessons... He's just gotta learn his lessons, and if he doesn't, then, you know, he's gonna keep getting suspended or eventually his NHL dreams will come to an end," Friedman said.

This isn't Rempe's first go-round as he's already received four game misconducts in 22 regular-season games played with the New York Rangers.

While the 22-year-old has claimed he wants to be more than just an enforcer in the league, these actions contradict what he said during the offseason.

"I want to be a player. I want to be a hockey player," Rempe said. "(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.

"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."

Rempe was sent down to the AHL earlier in this season and was pushed out of the lineup with Jimmy Vesey's return.

Now, it's hard to tell with his track record of penalties how the Rangers will use his time in the NHL now.

Rempe will have to learn discipline and use what he learned during the offseason to stay relevant, after all of this.

For now, it seems that Rempe is a loose cannon.

This article first appeared on NY Rangers Insider and was syndicated with permission.

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