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.
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