Matt Rempe, the New York Rangers’ enforcer, has been under scrutiny by the NHL Player Safety Department following a recent incident involving St. Louis Blues forward Jake Neighbours. Rempe, who was recently recalled from the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, was involved in a physical altercation in which he knocked Neighbours to the ice with both hands. Although the Rangers have sent Rempe back down to the AHL and called up defenseman Chad Ruhwedel in his place, the NHL Department of Player Safety reviewed the hit and deliberated on whether further action would be taken.
https://twitter.com/NYRFanatic/status/1861229633645015246?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1861229633645015246%7Ctwgr%5E9e77e1629586264139295664a29e338c125b94bd%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hockeypatrol.com%2Fnhl-team%2Fnew-york-rangers%2Fnhl-department-of-player-safety-releases-official-verdict-regarding-matt-rempe-potential-suspension
Despite the review, St. Louis Blues beat writer Matthew DeFranks reported that Rempe will not face additional discipline for the incident. The league found that Rempe’s actions did not warrant a suspension.
https://twitter.com/NYR_PR/status/1861454876640763952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1861454876640763952%7Ctwgr%5E9e77e1629586264139295664a29e338c125b94bd%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hockeypatrol.com%2Fnhl-team%2Fnew-york-rangers%2Fnhl-department-of-player-safety-releases-official-verdict-regarding-matt-rempe-potential-suspension
The 22-year-old Rempe, known for his intimidating and physical playing style, has earned a reputation as one of the most feared players in the NHL. Standing at 6’8″, he brings an old-school toughness to the ice, which has both drawn admiration and criticism.
So far this season, Rempe has had limited playing time with the Rangers, logging just 39 seconds per shift and a total of 25:36 ice time across four games, during which he has not registered any points but has accumulated seven penalty minutes. In the AHL, he has recorded 2 goals and 3 points in 10 games with Hartford this season.
https://twitter.com/rbarkleyhockey/status/1830259326071550010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1830259326071550010%7Ctwgr%5E9e77e1629586264139295664a29e338c125b94bd%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hockeypatrol.com%2Fnhl-team%2Fnew-york-rangers%2Fnhl-department-of-player-safety-releases-official-verdict-regarding-matt-rempe-potential-suspension
Rempe, tied for the tallest player in the NHL at 6’8″ (one inch shorter than the record held by 6’9″ Zdeno Chara), is still developing his game, which centers on using his size and physicality. As it stands, he will return to the AHL after his most recent game against the Blues. The Rangers continue to work on refining his skills, but Rempe’s path to becoming a full-time NHL player is likely to take some time.