Eklund: The Rangers and Matt Rempe. Good or Bad fror the NHL?

Rempe is more then just a fighter. He has chance to be an effective bottom 6 player. He can skate and play the game. He is learning and made a mistake . Nothing more. If he can continue to progress as an NHLer then he will play. If he can only be a fighter..He will be gone. Simple.

In interviews? He sounds like a good kid who has worked hard to get his chance.

He isn't a goon

He’s a good kid?

Macdermid challenged him in the first period and he conveniently declined. So much for “the code,” huh? Then he goes out and throws an elbow into the head of a guy who’s had concussion issues in the recent past. Then, he refuses a second challenge immediately after said elbow and acts like a clown waving goodbye on the way out.

I’m all for the “make hockey violent again” crowd, but I’m not for trying to end careers and essentially turtling, then acting like Tie Dummy with the heavyweight belt shenanigans.

The league would do better to be a little more like Matt Rempe, but not LIKE Matt Rempe. And the refs protecting a goon…and yes, he is a goon at this point, not a misunderstood teen…sets a horrible precedent. It will ultimately lead to bigger problems.

Both are bad for hockey.

As a Devils fan, I actually found myself rooting for Rempe a bit after that first week or so. It was clear to me that he could carve himself a solid bottom-line role given his ability to skate as a big man, with decent enough hands and skill to keep the play moving up ice, chip pucks in, bang the body, get in front of the net and get to work. You don't see many of his size and type come into the league that often and, as a fan of a team that's grown notorious for being small and soft, I was admittedly jealous of the prospect of it all.

I thought the narrative that "somebody needs to tell him he doesn't need to fight every night" was silly, simply because those situations unfolded pretty organically and he stepped up as a young player trying to prove himself and endear themselves to his teammates/fanbase. He did just that and, honestly, it was a job well done. It didn't seem like he was thinking "this is the only way I can stick around".

When he hit Nate Bastian, I was willing to give Rempe the benefit of the doubt since it was a pretty unusual hit on player who can hold his own and is listed at 6'4 205 lbs on nhl.com. Both players could have done better to avoid being in that scenario, but he was tossed from that game nonetheless. That alone is a punishment in itself and should send a message to tighten it up a bit, but life goes on.

As mentioned I was willing to give Rempre the benefit of the doubt for that hit, so I was completely fine with him turning down Kurtis MacDermid early in the game yesterday. He's trying to earn that role as somebody who can actually play and contribute, so fighting early doesn't help him establish that credibility.

That said, the hit of Jonas Siegenthaler clearly deserved retaliation and calls for Rempe to answer the bell from MacDermid. We can get into whether or not Rempe meant to actually get the elbow up or prepare for impact on the boards since he assumed he might miss Siegenthaler, who had begun the process of trying to avoid contact, but the result ultimately requires a player of his stature to answer the bell.

Obviously, the refs did their best to ensure the fight didn't take place, but I do think it was clear Rempe had no intention of working his way to MacDermid to answer for his actions. He was very content to stay amongst the crowd as MacDermid was kept outside the pack.

I don't have an opinion or care who wins that fight. I'd hope both sides will tell you in that scenario, it's not necessarily about who wins, it's about the code of hockey at that point.

Most fans will tell you, once that fight is over, it is considered the great equalizer and essentially pays the price for the dirty hit. When unanswered, a team with more heart and grit than the whipped dog Devils would likely begin taking questionable runs at the Rangers star players, especially given their place in the standings. That's ultimately a lesson that should have been taught to Rempe last night, but wasn't due to the state of the 2023-2024 Devils.

Overall, I think Rempe is and can become an impact player for the Rangers, assuming he cleans it up. I was just surprised he didn't answer the bell after a couple of incidents with a rival team. One would hope he'd man up for that type of incident. The mocking wave goodbye was a choice as well considering all he did was put his team in a terrible spot at that point, but I completely understand why Rangers fans would love the gesture haha

Eklund: The Rangers and Matt Rempe. Good or Bad fror the NHL?
- Eklund

Surprised you're not talking about the biggest Flyersbuzz of all , Torts doing passive non-violent protesting by gluing himself to the bench .

As a Devils fan, I actually found myself rooting for Rempe a bit after that first week or so. It was clear to me that he could carve himself a solid bottom-line role given his ability to skate as a big man, with decent enough hands and skill to keep the play moving up ice, chip pucks in, bang the body, get in front of the net and get to work. You don't see many of his size and type come into the league that often and, as a fan of a team that's grown notorious for being small and soft, I was admittedly jealous of the prospect of it all.

I thought the narrative that "somebody needs to tell him he doesn't need to fight every night" was silly, simply because those situations unfolded pretty organically and he stepped up as a young player trying to prove himself and endear themselves to his teammates/fanbase. He did just that and, honestly, it was a job well done. It didn't seem like he was thinking "this is the only way I can stick around".

When he hit Nate Bastian, I was willing to give Rempe the benefit of the doubt since it was a pretty unusual hit on player who can hold his own and is listed at 6'4 205 lbs on nhl.com. Both players could have done better to avoid being in that scenario, but he was tossed from that game nonetheless. That alone is a punishment in itself and should send a message to tighten it up a bit, but life goes on.

As mentioned I was willing to give Rempre the benefit of the doubt for that hit, so I was completely fine with him turning down Kurtis MacDermid early in the game yesterday. He's trying to earn that role as somebody who can actually play and contribute, so fighting early doesn't help him establish that credibility.

That said, the hit of Jonas Siegenthaler clearly deserved retaliation and calls for Rempe to answer the bell from MacDermid. We can get into whether or not Rempe meant to actually get the elbow up or prepare for impact on the boards since he assumed he might miss Siegenthaler, who had begun the process of trying to avoid contact, but the result ultimately requires a player of his stature to answer the bell.

Obviously, the refs did their best to ensure the fight didn't take place, but I do think it was clear Rempe had no intention of working his way to MacDermid to answer for his actions. He was very content to stay amongst the crowd as MacDermid was kept outside the pack.

I don't have an opinion or care who wins that fight. I'd hope both sides will tell you in that scenario, it's not necessarily about who wins, it's about the code of hockey at that point.

Most fans will tell you, once that fight is over, it is considered the great equalizer and essentially pays the price for the dirty hit. When unanswered, a team with more heart and grit than the whipped dog Devils would likely begin taking questionable runs at the Rangers star players, especially given their place in the standings. That's ultimately a lesson that should have been taught to Rempe last night, but wasn't due to the state of the 2023-2024 Devils.

Overall, I think Rempe is and can become an impact player for the Rangers, assuming he cleans it up. I was just surprised he didn't answer the bell after a couple of incidents with a rival team. One would hope he'd man up for that type of incident. The mocking wave goodbye was a choice as well considering all he did was put his team in a terrible spot at that point, but I completely understand why Rangers fans would love the gesture haha
- SteveJ123

Well said.
Your writing skills are above average, you might be tat Devils beat blogger everyone is calling for.

The kid has been challenged by someone every game. He has been told by his coach to slow it down and puck his spits. In fact in one game before he accepted the challenge he looked to Laviolette for the ok to fight. Last night's hit was stupid, deserved the penalty and a 3 game suspension. All his other hits have been clean but forceful. He has talent and is a menace in front of the net. He will learn only a few games into his career. Will be a great 4th line energy guy. If he is not on your team you will hate him if he is on your team you love his energy and enthusiasm.

We always need villains in hockey. DOPS will be there when he crosses the line. He isn't the last. It's hockey, keep your head up out there boys.

He can play. We’ve never had a guy this big and he will make a name for himself positively. Him in front if the net has resulted in 3 goals already by simply being there and so big. Last night was a negative that hopefully he can learn from.

Let’s not act like this is the first time this has ever happen. He’s actually a very likable kid, almost a like happy go lucky teenager, who had a bad moment in the heat of the battle

If 'good for the NHL' means that it draws the attention of people who don't watch hockey, then sure it is. If 'good for the NHL' means that the product on the ice is improving for the existing fans, then it probably isn't. If you want to watch fights, there are plenty of options without hockey.

Rempe is more then just a fighter. He has chance to be an effective bottom 6 player. He can skate and play the game. He is learning and made a mistake . Nothing more. If he can continue to progress as an NHLer then he will play. If he can only be a fighter..He will be gone. Simple.

In interviews? He sounds like a good kid who has worked hard to get his chance.

He isn't a goon
- rrentz

We need to set some ground rules. What exactly is a goon ?

We need to set some ground rules. What exactly is a goon ?
- BluehorseShoe64

John Scott. He’s a much better player then John Scott could ever have dreamed of being

Is Rempe good for the game? I would have to say that if he continues to hit opposing players in the head, the answer would be no. If he stops doing that, then with everything else - big/clean hits, the occasional (staged) fight, the occasional goal or assist, then probably yes.

He’s a good kid?

Macdermid challenged him in the first period and he conveniently declined. So much for “the code,” huh? Then he goes out and throws an elbow into the head of a guy who’s had concussion issues in the recent past. Then, he refuses a second challenge immediately after said elbow and acts like a clown waving goodbye on the way out.

I’m all for the “make hockey violent again” crowd, but I’m not for trying to end careers and essentially turtling, then acting like Tie Dummy with the heavyweight belt shenanigans.

The league would do better to be a little more like Matt Rempe, but not LIKE Matt Rempe. And the refs protecting a goon…and yes, he is a goon at this point, not a misunderstood teen…sets a horrible precedent. It will ultimately lead to bigger problems.
- Franken30

Flyers fan here, totally agree. Although I might use a different adjective then "Violent", perhaps "really physical" or something similar. It just means good physical body checking without ruining careers. I for one was not a "fan" of the broad street bullies. They actually had talent, which is what I enjoyed for a little while - I started following right after the 2 cups. Concussions and CTE are nothing to joke about however, I feel there's a line. And I don't go to games to watch fights. If I wanted to see that, would go to a boxing match or a cage fight.

What doesn't make any sense to me is the obligatory fight after a clean check is issued, but the same guys who congratulate a fighter - what are they saying about their teammate getting punched in the face with bare knuckles? A clenched fist punch from a conditioned athlete is way worse than absorbing a body check. People aren't getting CTE from body checks.

He’s a good kid?

Macdermid challenged him in the first period and he conveniently declined. So much for “the code,” huh? Then he goes out and throws an elbow into the head of a guy who’s had concussion issues in the recent past. Then, he refuses a second challenge immediately after said elbow and acts like a clown waving goodbye on the way out.

I’m all for the “make hockey violent again” crowd, but I’m not for trying to end careers and essentially turtling, then acting like Tie Dummy with the heavyweight belt shenanigans.

The league would do better to be a little more like Matt Rempe, but not LIKE Matt Rempe. And the refs protecting a goon…and yes, he is a goon at this point, not a misunderstood teen…sets a horrible precedent. It will ultimately lead to bigger problems.
- Franken30

Sour grapes, you're a crybaby

If 'good for the NHL' means that it draws the attention of people who don't watch hockey, then sure it is. If 'good for the NHL' means that the product on the ice is improving for the existing fans, then it probably isn't. If you want to watch fights, there are plenty of options without hockey.
- OilyJay

Was Matt Petgrave kicking Adam Johnson's neck with his skate blade good for hockey? Because it brought a lot of attention to the sport.

The little smile and wave hiding behind the safety of refs keeping them apart is the BIGGEST wussy MOVE EVER. Soft as puppy poop. I hope this kid’s career gets ended soon from a massive hit vs Florida or Carolina in the playoffs.

The little smile and wave hiding behind the safety of refs keeping them apart is the BIGGEST wussy MOVE EVER. Soft as puppy poop. I hope this kid’s career gets ended soon from a massive hit vs Florida or Carolina in the playoffs.
- jtylerm

Yeah and if he played for the Devils you would love him. Did you like Scott Steven's the worst head hunter ever in he NHL? I am sure you did. That's the first illegal hit he has thrown and I am confident he learned a lesson. My only hope is that it doesnt make him soft he needs to play his style but be more aware

Bad for the league, takes away from the sport.

It's best to watch when players are playing fast, skilled hockey. That the league allows 'grit' to combat that is gross.

Thus guy is a big, dumb p.o.s. douchebag.... period....

Have to LOL at devils fans conveniently forgetting that they had Scot Steven’s arguably the dirtiest player of his era by FAR! What rempe did was inexcusable and he deserves to be suspended but Steven’s ended players CAREERS! Rempe needs to learn he doesn’t have to be a head hunter or a dirty player he’s got skills let’s see what happens.

Flyers fan here, totally agree. Although I might use a different adjective then "Violent", perhaps "really physical" or something similar. It just means good physical body checking without ruining careers. I for one was not a "fan" of the broad street bullies. They actually had talent, which is what I enjoyed for a little while - I started following right after the 2 cups. Concussions and CTE are nothing to joke about however, I feel there's a line. And I don't go to games to watch fights. If I wanted to see that, would go to a boxing match or a cage fight.

What doesn't make any sense to me is the obligatory fight after a clean check is issued, but the same guys who congratulate a fighter - what are they saying about their teammate getting punched in the face with bare knuckles? A clenched fist punch from a conditioned athlete is way worse than absorbing a body check. People aren't getting CTE from body checks.
- BluehorseShoe64

CTE is the real issue. Fighting has not been good for a number of former fighters. I think it’s time to ban fighting. Clean hard body checks are not the problem.

Have to LOL at devils fans conveniently forgetting that they had Scot Steven’s arguably the dirtiest player of his era by FAR! What rempe did was inexcusable and he deserves to be suspended but Steven’s ended players CAREERS! Rempe needs to learn he doesn’t have to be a head hunter or a dirty player he’s got skills let’s see what happens.
- Bobd62

Um, NO!

He’s a good kid?

Macdermid challenged him in the first period and he conveniently declined. So much for “the code,” huh? Then he goes out and throws an elbow into the head of a guy who’s had concussion issues in the recent past. Then, he refuses a second challenge immediately after said elbow and acts like a clown waving goodbye on the way out.

I’m all for the “make hockey violent again” crowd, but I’m not for trying to end careers and essentially turtling, then acting like Tie Dummy with the heavyweight belt shenanigans.

The league would do better to be a little more like Matt Rempe, but not LIKE Matt Rempe. And the refs protecting a goon…and yes, he is a goon at this point, not a misunderstood teen…sets a horrible precedent. It will ultimately lead to bigger problems.
- Franken30

I am curious of other Devils fans are embarrassed by this guy's comments.
Rempe went in very hard, but he's 6'100" and he made a mistake and got his elbow up..and he'll be punished for it. Why is he going to go and oblige the Devils kid and fight? when his team is already up 2-0, he just hammered a Devils player into oblivion, and the place is absolutely roaring? I don't think he meant to elbow that kid that hard, but he certainly did his job in intimidating the Devils, making them look weak and getting them off of their game, and keeping ALL of the momentum with his team. He gets an A+ for playing his role.

He 100% deserves a suspension, and you my friend 100% deserve to be a Canucks fan.