Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Rangers Coach Announce Injury Update After Matt Rempe's Fight With Ryan Reaves

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Oct 23, 2025 10:31 PM ET

Two of the NHL’s most feared enforcers went toe-to-toe Thursday night at Madison Square Garden, but only one returned to the bench.

New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe dropped the gloves with San Jose Sharks winger Ryan Reaves just six minutes into the game, setting off a heavyweight showdown that reignited their 2024 feud.

The bout came after Reaves knocked Juuso Parssinen off his skates, prompting Rempe to challenge him directly during live play.

Both fighters exchanged heavy blows at center ice for nearly a full minute. Reaves landed the early shots and knocked Rempe’s helmet off before Rempe retaliated with uppercuts after pulling Reaves’ jersey over his head.

MATT REMPE VS. RYAN REAVES ROUND 2

WHAT A TILT pic.twitter.com/0F6PZ6wM09
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) October 23, 2025

While Reaves returned to the penalty box to serve his major, Rempe exited the ice and was ruled out for the rest of the night with what the team called an upper-body injury.

Rempe did not appear for the second period and went straight to the dressing room with a trainer following the fight. The Sharks beat the Rangers 6-5 in overtime.

After the game, head coach Mike Sullivan provided an update on Rempe, saying he's "still being evaluated," according to Mollie Walker of the New York Post.

Matt Rempe still being evaluated for upper-body injury, per #NYR coach Mike Sullivan
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) October 24, 2025

23-year-old Rempe has been a steady physical presence for the Rangers since making his debut in 2024, primarily skating on a depth line with Adam Edstrom and Sam Carrick.

If he’s unavailable for Saturday’s game, Jonny Brodzinski is the most likely replacement, though a call-up from AHL Hartford remains possible if Sullivan prefers that option.

New York Rangers center Matt Rempe (73) gets in position for a faceoff at the Canadian Tire Centre.Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

Rempe has just seven penalty minutes through his nine games this season, a stark contrast from his 71 minutes in the box during his rookie campaign and 67 from last season.

The Rangers begin a four-game road trip on Sunday, starting with a matchup against the struggling Calgary Flames, with puck drop set for 8 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: