Latest news with #MattRempe
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Matt Rempe ‘still learning' as he prepares for training camp, Rangers reporter says
Matt Rempe didn't need much time to become a favorite of New York Rangers fans. His willingness to step up and defend teammates, as well as to square off against some of the NHL's tough guys, has made him immensely popular with the Blueshirt Faithful. But Rempe will have to impress a new coach when he arrives at training camp next month. With Mike Sullivan taking over behind the bench after Peter Laviolette was fired, the parameters of what he'll need to do to further his NHL career are likely to be different than they were in his first two seasons. Mollie Walker, who covers the Rangers for the New York Post, told the DLLS Stars Podcast on Friday that she's looking forward to seeing how Rempe will do under Sullivan, a two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Pittsburgh Penguins. 'I'm really excited to see how he looks in training camp this season,' she said, 'and I'm excited to see what a guy like Mike Sullivan thinks of Matt Rempe as well.' Rempe has already been assessed two major suspensions in his brief (59 games) NHL career, including an eight-game enforced vacation for boarding and elbowing Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen last Dec. 20. At the time, it was his fourth ejection in 22 career games. But the 6-foot-8 forward looked like a much smarter and better player after he returned from the suspension. The Rangers have worked with him on how to be physical but smart, as well as to avoid situations that could result in suspensions. He ended up leading the Rangers — and placing sixth in the NHL for those who played at least 40 games — by averaging 19.64 hits per 60 minutes. His average ice time before the suspension was 6:15; he finished the season averaging 8:30. 'All the hits, all the suspensions — he's still learning,' Walker said. 'He's a 6-foot-9 gazelle out there who doesn't always know how to control his body – but he's learning. He's really made an effort to do so and to put in the work to get to where he wants to be. I think the Rangers are incredibly impressed with his work ethic. Rempe learning to play smarter as he prepares for new season Rempe's overall game improved greatly in the last four months of the season. All of his scoring (eight points; three goals, five assists) came after the suspension, and he was plus-7 in those 37 games while taking only 43 penalty minutes during that span. He played all but six of the Rangers' 43 games after the suspension; the six absences were due to injury. Upon his return, Rempe admitted that he needed to be smarter with his physical play, since that suspension was the second in two seasons and he'd already received four game misconducts in that span. He stuck to a simple North-South game, building chemistry with center Sam Carrick. He was responsible defensively, displayed deceptive speed and skill, and was a handful for opposing defensemen on the forecheck. He spent a lot less time in the penalty box — though still remaining a physical presence and deterrent — and more time on the ice helping turn momentum in the Rangers' favor. The Rangers must have been impressed: They signed him to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $975,000. He's spent the summer working to improve his game at both ends of the ice — while also taking some time to serve as a counselor at the Junior Rangers camp. Walker said Rempe has enough skill and drive to be more than just a big guy who runs around bashing opponents. 'When you look at just the raw ability he has to make an impact on the ice and the way that he does,' she said, 'you can't really put a price on that a lot of the time.' She also likened Rempe's impact to that of forward Ryan Reeves, who played with the Rangers from 2021-23 and is now a member of the San Jose Sharks. The two squared off on March 2, 2024, while Reeves played for the Toronto Maple Leafs. 'I go back to even when Ryan Reaves was brought in — how everybody in that locker room, all the young guys, talked about how much taller they skated and how much more confidently they skated when they knew they had a guy like Ryan Reaves who could step in and help if need be, or step in and make an example,' she said. 'And I feel like Matt Rempe fills that (role) 100 percent. 'I think it would be folly to say that Matt Rempe has not had an incredible impact on New York in more than one way.' Related Headlines Former Rangers forward lands 2-year contract in Switzerland Igor Shesterkin enters 2025-26 season with $92 million worth of expectations from Rangers Why Dave Maloney believes this X factor with new Rangers coaching staff is 'beneficial' Why Brendan Brisson is under radar forward option for Rangers: 'Know I can do it'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pressing Rangers Questions And Answers
When a club like the Rangers finishes in the NHL's subterranean depths, it raises questions that must be answered before the autumn leaves start to fall. (Now don't be a wise guy and tell me that they're falling already.) A successful answer to the questions below could mean the difference between a playoff berth or more misery. So let's give it a shot and see what happens. QUESTION ONE: How will Matt Rempe react to another dismissal to Beautiful Downtown Connecticut? MAVEN: He'll sit in the corner and sulk for a minute, discover that he's getting a ton of dough for very little work and catch the next Amtrak to Connecticut. The Remper knows from experience that a call back to Penn Station is less than a month away. QUESTION TWO: What hope is there for Mika Zibanejad to really and truly, I mean REALLY AND TRULY – reform? MAVEN: If such a thing as peer pressure exists in the Rangers dressing room -- having a captain wouldn't hurt – then it's possible that Z will take defense seriously. Also, some lovey-dovey from new coach Mike Sullivan could help. (A little.) QUESTION THREE: What did the general staff learn from watching the Panthers? MAVEN: A blend of tough hockey and skill distilled by a brainy but funny coach and a clutch goalie wins Cups. (Are the Rangers tough enough? Depends on the third and fourth lines.) QUESTION FOUR: Which teams will the Rangers beat out to make the playoffs? MAVEN: Buffalo, Columbus, Washington, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Detroit, Boston. The Hockey Maven Picks His Five Favorite Rangers Anybody can like a star; it's the easiest thing in the world. QUESTION FIVE: Why will you like the new Rangers MSG Networks broadcast team? Maven: Kenny Albert on play-by-play and Dave Maloney on "color" will bring a fresh vim, vigor and vitality to viewers. The pair will be invigorated by the move from radio to tv. Albert will bring his world class play-by-play while Maloney's combo of sandpaper candor and "fan feeling" will add a unique touch. Sam and Joe never will be forgotten but Kenny and Dave have the best act to follow!
Yahoo
26-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Brett Pesce Stands Out at Shoulder Check Showcase – for More Than Just His Play
New Jersey Devils defenseman Brett Pesce made headlines following his appearance at the Shoulder Check Showcase on July 24, 2025. The annual charity event, founded to honor the late Hayden Thorsen, promotes mental health awareness in the hockey community. Thorsen was a 16-year-old goalie from the tri-state area who tragically died by suicide on May 26, 2022. He dreamed of playing hockey at the next level, and this showcase continues his legacy with the powerful message: "Reach Out. Check In. Make Contact." While the event is typically lighthearted, one moment brought unexpected tension. New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe made headlines of his own, nearly leveling Pesce into the boards with a near-hit, taking the 'make contact' part of the slogan a little too literally. The Shoulder Check Showcase brings together players from across the NHL, emphasizing unity and support beyond team rivalries. Pesce was the only Devils player in attendance, while six New York Rangers participated, including Rempe. Despite the charitable nature of the game, Rempe's play stood out, particularly his physical exchange with Pesce. Rempe, known for his enforcer style, has racked up 138 penalty minutes in just 59 NHL games. The 23-year-old recently signed a two-year, $1.95 million extension with the Rangers. While some fans in the crowd cheered his gritty play, others criticized his actions as out of place for an event centered on mental health awareness. Despite the debatable moment, the showcase delivered on its greater mission. In a powerful scene at Terry Conners Rink, a sold-out crowd placed their hands on each other's shoulders and recited the event's six-word slogan aloud in unison, symbolizing support, community, and solidarity. Rob Thorsen, Hayden's father, reflected on the moment in an interview with "We thought it would be cool if we could get people to put their hands on each other's shoulders," Thorsen said. "When it actually happened, it was palpable. Everybody left feeling it, and that was awesome." In the end, the Shoulder Check Showcase reminded the hockey world that no one has to face their battles alone. Rivalries faded, teams mixed, and the sport united for a cause far bigger than the scoreboard. Photo Credit: © Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
New York Post
22-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
How the Rangers' rookies could carve out roles this season
Access the Rangers beat like never before Get Mollie Walker's text messages with the latest Rangers buzz and get your questions answered — exclusive to Sports+ subscribers. SIGN UP NOW Comparatively speaking, the Rangers had a robust rookie presence in their lineup over the past few seasons. Between the emergence of the Towering Twins, Matt Rempe and Adam Edstrom, Will Cuylle's immediate impact and the fast-tracked opportunity for Brett Berard, the next wave of homegrown talent already has splashed onto the New York hockey scene. None of those aforementioned players, however, are considered rookies anymore. Rempe, Edstrom and Cuylle should be on the Opening Night roster, while Berard certainly will be in the mix after appearing in 35 games for the Rangers last season.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Matt Rempe Transforms From A Player To A Counselor At Rangers Summer Camp
It's safe to say that Matt Rempe is enjoying his summer. From a player to a counselor, Rempe took some time this offseason to teach kids at the Junior Rangers Summer Camp. Rempe was mic'd up during the session as he was seen playing hockey with the kids, coaching them, and even practicing his fighting. The 23-year-old was showing off both his charismatic personality and sense of humor that has made him loved amongst the people of New York. Since playing his first game with the Rangers in February of 2024, Rempe has become a fan favorite, so it's no surprise that he's out there at Rangers Summer Camp. Earlier this offseason, Rempe signed a two-year, $1.95 million contract extension with the Blueshirts.
