Matt Rempe received an eight-game suspension for his hit on Miro Heiskanen and it caused a conversation about his future in the NHL.
This incident occurred during the third period of a game between the New York Rangers and Dallas Stars on Friday night.
The puck was already off of Heiskanen’s stick, but Rempe came flying in with his elbow directed at the head of Heiskanen.
The NHL Department Of Player Safety referred to the hit as “boarding/elbowing.” The hearing between the NHL Department Of Player Safety and Rempe took place on Sunday.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman strongly feels that Rempe’s punishment was justified and the young enforcer must learn from these kinds of mistakes.
“He deserved the suspension for it and all I can say is I hope he learns his lessons… He’s just gotta learn his lessons, and if he doesn’t, then, you know, he’s gonna keep getting suspended or eventually his NHL dreams will come to an end,” Friedman said.
Rempe has been assessed four game misconducts as well as eight major penalties in 22 regular-season games for the Rangers.
The 22-year-old made clear before the start of the season that he wants to be more than just an enforcer and is eager to impact the game in other ways.
“I want to be a player. I want to be a hockey player,” Rempe said. “(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…
“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. I think I’ve taken big strides this summer with that.”
The Rangers have sent Rempe up and down from The American Hockey League through the course of this season, so he hasn’t really gotten much of an opportunity to showcase his overall skills.
When he is in the Rangers’ lineup though, Rempe has stuck to his similar physical playbook, which is good at times, but he needs to learn to control it.
Rempe is still young, so we will see how he’ll ultimately respond from this suspension.
