The Rangers’ Matt Rempe Experiment: More Spectacle Than Strategy

The New York Rangers appeared to turn a corner when they moved on from Gerard Gallant’s rigid coaching style, opting instead for Peter Laviolette’s faster, more possession-focused approach. The change seemed necessary after the Rangers were outpaced and outplayed by the Devils in last spring’s playoffs. Laviolette’s hiring signaled a shift toward improving even-strength play and moving away from over-reliance on orchestrated offensive setups.

But the Rangers still lack the roster to consistently execute that vision, which perhaps explains their surprising turn to 6-foot-7 forward Matt Rempe. The purpose of his call-up, however, remains unclear—aside from providing a spectacle for fans.

A Fighter First, a Player Second

Rempe, called up two weeks ago, has managed to engage in four fights across eight games, amassing 20 penalty minutes while logging just 40 minutes of ice time. Most of these fights have been staged affairs against other enforcers like Ryan Reaves and Matt Martin, relics of an older era of hockey. The fights seem more about energizing a small subset of fans than contributing meaningfully to the Rangers’ success.

With an average ice time of fewer than seven minutes per game, it’s evident that neither Rempe nor the entire fourth line has the trust of the coaching staff. Jonny Brodzinski, Adam Edstrom, and Will Cuylle also struggle to approach 10 minutes of ice time. This reliance on just three forward lines leaves the Rangers vulnerable, as highlighted in their lopsided loss to the Panthers, where they managed a paltry 36.7% expected goals at even strength.

A Hollow Contribution

Despite claims that Rempe’s presence brings “energy,” the team was on a six-game winning streak before his arrival. His role, primarily as a fighter, exposes him to unnecessary risks without advancing the team’s performance. Unlike other AHL call-ups who contribute with skill and development, Rempe’s NHL stint is more about surviving hits than playing hockey.

A Questionable Message

This approach raises questions about what the Rangers value in their AHL prospects. By prioritizing brawling over skill, the team sends a dubious message to its Hartford affiliate: grit and showmanship might be more valuable than actual hockey ability.

The Bigger Picture

The Rangers’ position atop the Metropolitan Division affords them some experimentation, but Rempe’s role will likely be irrelevant come playoff time. Teams like the Hurricanes, with their well-rounded, deep rosters, will exploit New York’s overworked top forwards. Relying on an enforcer with limited ice time is not a viable strategy for postseason success.

While Rempe may look back fondly on this chapter of his career, the broader context paints his call-up as a missed opportunity for both him and the Rangers. There are better ways for the team to address its depth concerns and prepare for meaningful hockey in April.