Matt Rempe accused of 'intent to injure' by Devils HC Travis Green for elbowing Jonas Siegenthaler

By Arnab Mondal

Modified Mar 12, 2024 03:42 GMT

New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe faced accusations from New Jersey Devils interim head coach Travis Green following an incident in Monday’s game. Matt Rempe was ejected after elbowing Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler in the head during the second period of the Rangers’ 3-1 victory.

Green expressed his frustration postgame, stating,

“Everyone who knows the game at all knows that that player is in a vulnerable spot... it’s definitely not the first time that it’s happened, second time against us.”

He emphasized concerns about player safety, noting,

“I think there's some intent there to injure the player.”

Siegenthaler was unable to continue playing after the hit and did not return to the game. Green provided an update on Siegenthaler's condition, stating,

“He’s not doing great, obviously. He didn’t come back,"

expressing disappointment over the repeated incidents targeting his players.

The hit also incited a reaction from Devils defenseman Kurtis MacDermid, who received a 10-minute misconduct for attempting to confront Rempe. MacDermid criticized Rempe's actions, saying,

“You don't do things like that when you're in your first year in the league. I lost quite a bit of respect for him tonight.”

This incident adds to Rempe's controversial season, having previously received a match penalty for a high hit on Devils forward Nathan Bastian on February 22. Matt Rempe has played 10 games for the Rangers this season, tallying a goal, and an assist, and accumulating 54 penalty minutes.

Debating the role of Matt Rempe: Enforcer or Relic in the modern NHL?

Matt Rempe has sparked debates about his role in modern hockey. With four fights in his first nine NHL games, Rempe's physical style contrasts with the league's trend towards speed and skill.

Standing at 6-foot-7 and 241 pounds, Rempe's size and fighting ability take us back to a bygone era of hockey enforcers. However, his limited ice time and contribution to actual gameplay raise questions about his long-term viability in the NHL.

While Rempe's fights generate attention and discussion, his impact on the game's mainstream appeal remains uncertain. The Rangers lack a prominent star since Henrik Lundqvist's departure, and Rempe's presence adds intrigue but may not significantly expand the sport's audience.

One key uncertainty about Rempe is his upcoming career trajectory in the NHL. Given the NHL's focus on player safety and skill, individuals like Rempe are urged to adjust their approach or confront the possibility of becoming outdated.

The future direction of Matt Re­mpe's professional journey, beyond the fights, fundamentally depends on his capacity to add value beyond frays and conform to the e­volving requirements of conte­mporary hockey.