Matt Rempe joked that he’s got a small dilemma about his role with the New York Rangers. The 6-foot-8 forward comes to training camp this month looking to prove he’s an all-around player and not simply a feared enforcer. But there’s a slight catch with the fighting angle.
“I really enjoy it, that’s the thing, as well,” Rempe told a group of chuckling reporters at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase in Arlington, Virginia, on Wednesday.
All jokes aside, Rempe eyes a more complete role and wants to become a trusted regular in the Rangers lineup this season.
“I want to be a player. I want to be a hockey player,” Rempe said, turning serious. “(Fighting) is a part of the game and it’s a nice tool to have, but I want to be a fast, physical player first.”
To that end, Rempe has worked extremely hard this offseason to improve his skating and skills. Even though he famously took on-ice fighting lessons from former NHL enforcer Georges Laraque early in the summer, Rempe pointed out “that was three days,” and he’s spent much more time focused on other aspects of his game.
In fact, Rempe spent much of the summer in the Tri-state area, working out daily with Rangers veteran forward Chris Kreider — on and off the ice.
“I highly prioritize the skills and the skating. I’ve got to become a better player, so that’s what I’ve got to work on,” Rempe explained. “I think I’ve taken big strides this summer with that.”
Rempe, who played 17 regular-season games and 11 more in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2023-24, will battle for a spot on New York’s fourth line once training camp begins. His competition likely includes Adam Edstrom and Jonny Brodzinski, and possibly Brett Berard and Adam Sykora.
It’s hard not to envision Rempe being the frontrunner to land a spot on the opening-night roster as the 12th or 13th forward, though. He’s impressed coach Peter Laviolette and his teammates with a tremendous work ethic, an effective play style and by being a quick learner.
Case in point is how he’s planning to avoid “staged fights” and pick his spots better when to drop his gloves.
“It’s making my fights have a reason,” Rempe said. “If we’re down in a game and need some energy, maybe I’ll fight then. Somebody gets blown up, that’s a good time to fight someone. I think you just have to be smarter … when you fight, do it at the most advantageous time possible for you so that you’re maximizing the value of that fight for the team.”
Related: This Rangers defenseman prospect may turn heads at training camp
Matt Rempe understands he’s ‘presence’ on ice for Rangers
The 22-year-old already made strides in that area late last season and in the playoffs. After four rousing fights in his first seven NHL games, Rempe had one — that wild line brawl against the New Jersey Devils on April 3 — the rest of the way.
He showed maturity in turning down a fight with Washington Capitals agitator Tom Wilson in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference First Round last spring.
“We were up 2-0 in that series, we were up in that game. I feel like that one was not benefitting me,” Rempe explained. “I think that’s just me growing, being smarter. I want to have an effect out there by being physical … so, I just want to keep that going.”
That physicality he mentioned remains a huge part of Rempe’s game. He’s a tenacious forechecker, clearly impacting the decision making of defensemen when they turn their backs to play the puck, knowing this freight train is bearing down on them.
“I know I have a presence.”
Indeed he does have a presence. And some skill, too.
Rempe scored New York’s first goal of the postseason, charging hard to the net to pot one in the second period of Game 1 against the Capitals. He also scored a goal against the Philadelphia Flyers in the regular season.
And Rempe has said time and again, he wants to be a penalty killer.
In other words, he wants to be a hockey player first and foremost. Does that include fighting? Sure thing. But he doesn’t want that to define him, or hold him back, as a hockey player with the Rangers.
Sammi Silber, Washington Capitals beat reporter for The Hockey News contributed to this report
