The New York Rangers have sent right-winger Matt Rempe to AHL Hartford, following their 3-1 defeat against the Panthers on Thursday night.
The team did not announce any corresponding move, leaving an open roster spot that could allow them to activate Jimmy Vesey from long-term injured reserve when he becomes eligible next week.
Given Rempe’s limited playing time at the start of the season, this decision was not entirely unexpected. Last season, he played 17 games for the Rangers after being called up in February and participated in 11 of their 16 playoff games.
However, being a healthy scratch five times in the first seven games of the current season raised some eyebrows.
Rempe was initially excluded from the opening night roster due to salary cap considerations, which allowed the Rangers to maximize Vesey’s LTIR space.
He was quickly recalled and included for the season opener against the Penguins but watched the game from the press box. In his two appearances this season—against Utah and the Maple Leafs—he averaged only 5:39 of ice time, with a mere 3:40 in the game against the newcomers from Salt Lake.
Unlike last year, head coach Peter Laviolette attributed Rempe’s low ice time not to penalties, as he has yet to incur any this season. In contrast, he accumulated 71 penalty minutes during his 17 regular-season games last year.
This season, he has not registered any points or shots, with only one attempt and five hits. Additionally, the Rangers were out-attempted 14-4 during even-strength play while he was on the ice in his limited time.
Selected in the sixth round by the Rangers in 2020, Rempe was not expected to make a significant impact in the NHL before turning 23. His career totals of one goal and one assist in 19 games may not seem impressive, but his physical playing style and willingness to engage in fights have drawn attention.
To establish himself as a valuable player in a league where fighting is becoming less common, he will need to focus on enhancing his net-front presence during his time in the minors.
Since turning pro in the 2022-23 season, the 6-foot-8, 240-pound winger has made 96 appearances in Hartford, accumulating 14 goals, eight assists, 183 penalty minutes, and a -9 rating.
