Ex-NHL defenseman calls Matt Rempe the worst player in the league

Ex-NHL defenseman Jordan Schmaltz called Matt Rempe the worst player in the League after the enforcer returned to the lineup following his eight-game suspension.

Thursday night, the New York Rangers were in action to face the New Jersey Devils in a crucial game for the standings.

With only five points separating the Columbus Blue Jackets at the fourth spot and the Philadelphia Flyers at the eighth, all games between division rivals will be important.

It's no secret that the Rangers have been struggling lately, but they offered a great performance against the New Jersey Devils, winning 3-2 in overtime.

New York could count on some welcomed reinforcements, as Matt Rempe was back in the lineup following his eight-game suspension for his dirty hit on Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen.

Rempe seems to have learned his lessons. Ahead of the game, in a press conference, Rempe showed that he understands he must change his style on the ice, saying that he's a "marked man":

"I've got to be a lot smarter, I don't have to make every hit if that makes sense. I gotta still play my game but also, like, it can't happen again or else it's going to be a huge suspension. I'm a marked man right now. I've got to keep it clean."

With that in mind, it wouldn't be surprising to see Rempe struggle to find his rhythm. He has to change one of the most important parts of his game, and while he readjusts, he could struggle on the ice.

Thursday night, he was invisible, showing that he'll need to work on his skills and speed before being able to help his team win games without his physicality.

Former NHLer Jordan Schmaltz didn't mince his words about Rempe's game, saying he could be one of the worst players in the entire league.

In his own words:

"I say this with all due respect, which is always followed by something very disrespectful, but is Matt Rempe pound for pound, skill for skill, the worst hockey player in the entire league? Look the kid can chuck em. He's nails. But my god the puck skills and skating aren't perfect."