Rempe addresses suspension, fighting challenges and more
TARRYTOWN − Matt Rempe is quickly learning that the line between effective enforcer and ghastly goon is a thin one.
The Rangers’ 21-year-old rookie has been one of the NHL’s feel-good stories this season, defying the odds to reach the highest level as a sixth-round long shot and make his memorable debut on the sixth anniversary of his father’s tragic death. He captivated the league with some epic throwdowns to begin his career, all while maintaining a youthful exuberance that made him a fast fan favorite.
But for all the entertaining fights and stirring hits, all it takes is one bad moment to start flipping the narrative. That occurred on Mar. 11, when Rempe elbowed Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler in the head and drew a stern four-game suspension.
“It was an accident, but you never want to see a guy get hurt or anything like that,” he said following Wednesday’s practice at the MSG Training Center. “I’m still going to play super hard (and) play the same way. I’m just going to make sure that my hits are clean, keep everything compact, everything tight, and it’ll be good. Live and learn.”
Rempe was contrite about the blow that left Siegenthaler concussed − “That was unfortunate, so I’m sorry about that,” he said − while stressing that he raised his arms, not with intent to do harm, but to brace for impact before colliding with the boards.
“I honestly had no idea I even hit the guy,” he said. “Obviously, I watched it back and I did. I made a mistake. … I thought I hit the wall, but I ended up hitting him.”
It’s become a teaching moment for the 6-foot-8, 245-pounder, who has
more moving parts than most and often finds his shoulders and elbows eye level with smaller opponents.
“Those type of hits – especially in the neutral zone or open ice – those are the ones that are a little dicey sometimes because guys are jumping out of the way,” he said. “They don’t want to get hit, so I’ve just got to make sure on those ones that I’m not hurting the team by taking a penalty or anything.”
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette called the illegal check on Siegenthaler “one that got away,” while defending the rest of Rempe’s 30 hits through his first 10 games played.
“I think he’s done a pretty good job with his discipline,” he said. “Every other hit has been pretty good. They’ve been heavy and physical, and he brings that presence to the team. That’s part of the reason why he’s here, is because he can bang bodies.”
Rempe has made a noticeable impact in that regard, hammering opponents on the forecheck and making them hesitant to engage in puck battles. That’s resulted in extra possessions and an expected-goals rate of 59.34% while he’s on the ice, according to Evolving Hockey.
It’s why Laviolette is planning to reinsert him into the lineup for Thursday’s 7 p.m. showdown against the Eastern Conference-leading Bruins. It’s also why the coaching staff and teammates are telling the rookie not to feel pressured into accepting every challenge to drop the gloves.
There’s a time and place for that, but the Calgary native is most valuable when he’s outside the penalty box.
“Those are some of the things we’re talking about,” Laviolette said. “You can’t go fight everybody that you hit. You have to play your game, do your thing. He’s got no restrictions, but in the same sense, I don’t think it’s smart to (fight) in second No. 1. I’d like to see him go play the game and establish his game out there.”
That was the message going into that Mar. 11, which explains why Rempe declined a first-shift invitation from Jersey brawler Kurtis MacDermid.
The rookie grinned as he said, “I had my instructions. I wanted to go out and play the game” − his way of admitting that Laviolette (or someone else) told him not to get baited into a fight. But there’s also a sincere desire to show that he’s more than just a face puncher.
If Rempe can maintain his physical edge and infectious enthusiasm while cutting out dangerous hits like the one on Siegenthaler, there’s a real chance for him to stick in the lineup when the Rangers decide on their playoff roster.
“I know I can be an effective player inside the rules of the game,” he said. “I feel really good about my game. I think I’m having an impact. I’m playing hard, physical, good enough of a presence, playing good defensively, bringing speed, bringing energy. I think I’m helping the team, but I continue to want to learn. This last week, I had a great week of practice. It was awesome. I was able to work on more skill sets. I want to be a more complete player. I’m learning from it every day, but I’m having a blast. It’s the best.”