Rangers' Matt Rempe wants to play 'smarter' following eight-game suspension

January 08, 2025 - 4:01pm

New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe discusses the changes he would like to make to his play style upon his return from an eight-game suspension for a hit on Miro Heiskanen, saying he's a "marked man" and he wants to play "smarter." Courtesy: SNY

New York Rangers bruiser Matt Rempe says he's going to be a lot smarter about using his physicality going forward after receiving an eight-game suspension for an illegal hit.

"I gotta still play my game but also, like, it can't happen again or else it's going to be a huge suspension," Rempe told reporters on Wednesday. "I've got to be a lot smarter, I don't have to make every hit, if that makes sense. I'm so big and I can get going so I've got to be able to pick my hits, to know when to make the hit.

"I can make an impact with that."

Rempe was suspended on Dec. 23 following an in-person hearing resulting from an illegal board/elbow to Dallas Stars defenceman Miro Heiskanen. The second suspension of his career, Rempe was also banned for four-games in March for an illegal check to the head of New Jersey Devils' Jonas Seigenthaler.

Rempe has been assessed four game misconducts as well as eight major penalties in 22 regular-season games for the Rangers. Last season, the 22-year-old amassed 71 penalty minutes in just 17 games.

Now, getting ready to make his return to the Rangers lineup after serving his time, he knows he's going to be on a short leash going forward.

"If I'm going to make every hit, some of them are risky," the forward added. "Guys are trying to duck out of the way at the last second and I'm so big that I catch a piece, or something like that, I'm gone 20 games. I can't let anything like that happen.

"[Neutral zone] hits, only make them if I know they're going to be a clean hit, a good hit, compared to if it's in any way in doubt. I feel like I'll veer on the side of caution for now, because I'm a marked man right now. I've got to keep it clean."

But Rempe knows he's capable of using his size, physicality and position as a role player to benefit the team.

"I've got to be smarter. Bring that energy, but more controlled. Be smarter."

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