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Rangers' Matt Rempe Hit With Longest Suspension in 6 Seasons

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Dec 23, 2024 5:30 AM ET

New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe has been suspended eight games for his hit on Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen during Friday night’s game, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Sunday.

According to Sportsnet Stats, Rempe's eight-game ban is tied for the longest on-ice suspension issued by the NHL in the last six seasons, matching Nazem Kadri's for an illegal check to the head of an opponent in May 2021.

The incident occurred in the third period of Rempe’s first game back with the Rangers after being recalled from AHL Hartford.

Heiskanen had just passed the puck in the neutral zone when Rempe came from behind and raised his elbow into Heiskanen’s neck, driving him into the boards.

NY Rangers’ Matt Rempe has been suspended for eight games for boarding/elbowing Dallas’ Miro Heiskanen. https://t.co/vzQPkU3JOg
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) December 22, 2024

Rempe received a five-minute major for elbowing, a two-minute minor for roughing, and a game misconduct.

The NHL announced the suspension after reviewing the play and having an in-person hearing with Rempe on Friday night.

This marks the second suspension of Rempe’s NHL career, following a four-game ban last season for a hit to the head of New Jersey Devils' Jonas Siegenthaler. The 22-year-old forward has now been ejected from four of his 22 NHL games.

Rempe, a towering 6-foot-8 forward, had been called up to provide a spark for the struggling Rangers, who have lost 12 of their last 16 games including Sunday's loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Despite playing in five games this season, Rempe has yet to record a point and now has 24 penalty minutes, 17 of which came from Friday’s game against Dallas.

The suspension adds to the challenges for a Rangers team that has fallen to 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 16-16-1 record before their final game (Monday at the Devils) until the team returns from the holiday break on Saturday.

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

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