The New York Rangers Matt Rempe is a player with tantalizing potential. That said, he also has significant hurdles to clear if he wants to become a regular NHL contributor. At 6-foot-8 and 240 pounds, he brings size, physicality, and a forechecking presence that few players can match. However, as promising as those attributes are, his career path with the New York Rangers has been anything but smooth, raising questions about his development and future.
Who Is Matt Rempe?
A native of Calgary, Alberta, Rempe was selected by the New York Rangers in the sixth round (165th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft. Known for his towering frame and physical play, Rempe’s goal is to become a player in the mold of Winnipeg Jets forward Adam Lowry—a physical, bottom-six forward capable of contributing in all situations.
In his time with the Rangers organization, he’s shown flashes of potential, particularly in his ability to forecheck aggressively, create chaos for opponents, and win puck battles. He also has surprisingly good hands for a player his size, making him dangerous around the net.
However, his path to the NHL has been “rocky” (no pun intended, given his pugilistic tendencies). Rempe has bounced between the NHL and AHL, and some argue that this “yo-yo” approach to his development has hindered his ability to hone his skills in a more stable environment.
Matt Rempe’s Strengths and Weaknesses
In this chart, I’ll look at Rempe’s strengths and weaknesses as a player. The question is whether he can play a solid NHL player or not.
Reasons Matt Rempe Could Become a Solid NHL Player
Rempe is an imposing physical presence on the ice, capable of dominating along the boards and in front of the net. His size makes him a valuable asset in a league that still values physicality. In addition to his strength, Rempe excels at forechecking, using his size and tenacity to disrupt opponents in the offensive zone. This skill alone could make him a valuable fourth-line player known for bringing energy and intensity to every shift.
While he’s not expected to be a primary scorer, Rempe’s hands around the net and his ability to create chaos provide some offensive upside, making him a potential contributor in a bottom-six role. With time and proper coaching, he has a high ceiling for development. He could refine his game to eliminate bad habits and become a reliable, well-rounded contributor like his idol, Adam Lowry.
Reasons Rempe Might Fall Short
One of the biggest concerns surrounding Rempe is his discipline, particularly his tendency to commit dangerous and illegal hits. A recent eight-game suspension for boarding Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen highlights this issue. Rempe must learn to play with an edge without crossing the line. Additionally, his development has been hampered by the Rangers’ decision to frequently shuttle him between the NHL and AHL, which has disrupted his ability to refine key skills.
More consistent time in the AHL with Hartford could help him grow as a player. Rempe’s physicality, while a strength, can also become a liability, especially in defensive situations. Poor defensive reads and unnecessary penalties can make him a liability in close games. Furthermore, despite having good hands for his size, his offensive upside remains limited, restricting his versatility and ceiling as a player.
The Bottom Line for Matt Rempe
The jury is still out on Rempe. He has the tools to become an impactful NHL player—a physical presence who can forecheck, win puck battles, and create chaos in the offensive zone. However, his discipline issues and lack of sustained development time in the AHL are significant hurdles.
For Rempe to succeed, he must commit to playing a clean game and capitalize on his opportunities to develop, whether in the NHL or AHL. If he can do that, there’s reason to believe he could carve out a role as a reliable, Adam Lowry-type forward.
