"His evaluation is probably honest and fair": Rangers HC praises Matt Rempe’s progress for roster spot ahead of opening night

By Cole Shelton

Modified Aug 15, 2024 14:55 GMT

New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette believes Matt Rempe could crack the opening-night lineup. Rempe was a fan favorite last season, as when he was called up, he fought whoever and held his own.

Due to Rempe's physical style and being one of the last enforcers in the NHL, Rangers fans grew fond of him. However, his play struggled at times as he didn't play many minutes and at times was a healthy scratch.

However, at the end of the season, Rempe made it clear he would do whatever it takes to be a full-time NHL player, which Laviolette is a fan of.

"His evaluation is probably honest and fair that he's got to continue to work at all aspects of his game, as a lot of young players do," Laviolette said to NHL.com.

"He was a guy that came up and he made so much noise. You say, what is it that he has to do [to make the opening night roster]? Well, there's a lot of things."

Rempe spent five weeks working with former NHL enforcer Georges Laraque in Edmonton. After that, he returned to the New York area in late July and moved in with goalie Jonathan Quick and his family in Connecticut, where he skated and trained with Chris Kreider.

"He told me he's looking to earn it," Quick said. "Every conversation we've had about next season he's saying very similar things. He's looking forward to the rest of the summer, what he can do to improve his game and continue to get better."

Rempe skated in 17 NHL regular-season games, recording a goal and an assist. He also played in 11 playoff games, recording one goal.

Matt Rempe is just 'trying to get better' ahead of the 2024–25 season

Matt Rempe is looking to become a full-time NHL player next season. Although Rempe is a fan-favorite, he is doing everything to get better as a full-time NHL player.

"I'm just trying to get better," Rempe said. "I feel like I can be a very effective bottom-six player who is fast, mean, physical, skates well, protects pucks, goes to the net, is good around the net, can play center or wing. I want to be a good penalty killer.

"I feel like I can be a guy one day on a shutdown line that can be very hard to play against and also create some offense around the net, bring pucks to the net. I've got a long way to go but that's all I'm working toward."

Rempe has no doubt put in the work the offseason to try and be in the NHL next season.