The New York Rangers have recalled forward Matt Rempe from the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack just three days after assigning him, according to the AHL's official transactions page.
The Rangers could be preparing him for Tuesday's matchup against the Washington Capitals, perhaps in advance of some gloves getting dropped.
Although pure speculation, Rempe's quick return could suggest the Rangers are prioritizing his size and physicality in a tough matchup against the Capitals and veteran enforcer Tom Wilson, with whom Rempe has a history.
Rempe, known for his strong and physical style of play, had only two brief games with Hartford during the weekend after getting demoted to the minors following the Rangers' loss on Thursday.
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) October 28, 2024A transaction came across the official AHL page saying the #NYR have recalled Matt Rempe. Still waiting for Rangers to confirm but they did send Leschyshyn down today and open a spot.
He appeared in two games with Hartford over the weekend, registering two SOG with a -3 rating. pic.twitter.com/kFF89ElZXm
In the AHL, Rempe registered two shots and posted a minus-three rating. After sending him to the AHL for additional ice time, Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette spoke about the need for young players to gain experience and used that as the main reason to explain his decision.
"He's got an opportunity to go out and play some games and get some minutes, continue his development," Laviolette said Friday, via SNY. "But I do think going down and playing more minutes and more responsibility… also builds growth inside of a player."
Despite his limited production in Hartford, the Rangers opted to recall Rempe over depth forward Jake Leschyshyn, hinting at his potential role in Tuesday's game.
With only 12 healthy forwards and a physically intense game ahead, if the script follows the expectations, Rempe's return may offer the Rangers the added grit they seek.
New York has posted an impressive 6-1-1 record (13 points in eight games) to start the season only losing to the reigning champions in regulation and winning five of their other six games played outside of that loss.
