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Rangers' Matt Rempe Following 8-Game Suspension: 'I'm A Marked Man'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jan 9, 2025 9:45 AM ET

New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe returned to practice this week after serving an eight-game suspension for an illegal hit on Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen on Dec. 20.

Speaking to reporters for the first time since the suspension, the 22-year-old reflected on his physical playing style and the adjustments he needs to make to avoid future disciplinary actions.

“I’ve got to be a lot smarter,” Rempe said on Wednesday, as reported by The Athletic’s Peter Baugh. “I don’t have to make every hit, if that makes sense. I’m so big and I can get going, so I’ve got to be able to pick my hits, to know when to make the hit. If I’m going to make every hit, some of them are risky.

Guys are trying to duck out of the way at the last second, and I’m so big that I catch a piece, or something like that, I’m gone 20 games. I can’t let anything like that happen."

The Department of @NHLPlayerSafety has suspended New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe for 8 games for both Boarding AND Elbowing Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen.

pic.twitter.com/49TfndZFgN
— Owen Newkirk (@OwenNewkirk) December 22, 2024

Rempe, who has built a reputation as a physical but sometimes reckless player, admitted that his prior actions have made him “a marked man” in the eyes of the NHL.

"I'm a marked man right now," Rempe said. "I've got to keep it clean."

With four game misconducts and eight major penalties in just 22 career games (Rempe racked up 71 penalties in minutes in just 17 games last season), the winger understands the importance of adapting his approach.

“Neutral zone hits—only make them if I know they’re going to be a clean hit, a good hit, compared to if it’s in any way in doubt," Rempe said. "I feel like I'll veer on the side of caution for now."

The Rangers put up a solid 12-4-1 record through Nov. 19 but New York has gone 6–16–1 record since. The Rangers will be back in action against the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden on Thursday carrying an 18-20-2 record.

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

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