Rangers’ Matt Rempe suspended 8 games for elbow on Stars’ Miro Heiskanen
The New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe has been handed an eight-game suspension by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for boarding and elbowing Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen during Friday night’s game. This decision came after Rempe had an in-person hearing via Zoom on Sunday, which led to the senior vice president of player safety, George Parros, and his department imposing the suspension.
The announcement of Rempe’s suspension was made shortly after the Rangers suffered a 3-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes at home. This defeat marked New York’s 12th loss in their last 16 games and their fourth consecutive loss at Madison Square Garden.
Known for his physical play, the six-foot-eight forward gained popularity last season in his rookie year with the Rangers for taking on some of the toughest players in the NHL. However, Rempe’s aggressive style of play has led to multiple ejections and suspensions, including a four-game suspension for elbowing New Jersey’s Jonas Siegenthaler in a game last March.
Despite his imposing presence on the ice, Rempe has yet to register a point in five games this season. His return to the NHL lineup against Dallas was met with controversy due to the hit on Heiskanen, which resulted in his ejection from the game and subsequent suspension.
During his time with the Rangers, Rempe has accumulated four ejections and eight major penalties in just 22 career games. The 22-year-old forward was drafted by the Rangers in the sixth round of the 2020 draft and made a memorable debut last February by fighting Matt Martin of the Islanders in front of a massive crowd at MetLife Stadium.
While Rempe’s aggressive style of play has garnered attention, he has also shown glimpses of offensive ability, contributing a goal, an assist, and 71 penalty minutes in 17 games last season. As he serves his suspension, Rempe will look to refine his game and contribute positively to the Rangers once he is eligible to return to the lineup.
