Reports: Topping the list of the most divisive players in the National Hockey League is none other than a key man for the New York Rangers.

Matt Rempe of the New York Rangers has gone from being one of the league’s most divisive players to the top spot in only 17 games. His dedication to playing the game the traditional way and his physical appearance have ignited discussions about the contentious aspect of fighting.

Rempe, at 6 feet 7 inches tall, steps onto the ice with noticeable presence. Fans at Madison Square Garden were cheering his name despite averaging just 5:38 of ice time per night, thanks to his dogged pursuit of the big hit and charisma during postgame interviews. His passion for the game shines through in his memorable quotes. He didn’t follow the typical route to the NHL. Rempe, a sixth-round pick by the NHL in 2020, opted to have an impression on the game with his height and physicality rather than score. During his debut at the 2024 NHL Stadium Series, the Alberta native dropped gloves with Matt Martin.

However, Rempe isn’t content to merely play the role of the archetypal tough guy. “I am going to work on every single part of my game,” Rempe told the reporters in his departing interview. It is my intention to contribute more. I aspire to be the kind of person who can log 8 to 12 minutes of playtime nightly. I aspire to one day be a penalty killer and a very excellent defender. I need to hone my skating abilities, skill set, puck playmaking, and passing. Each and every one of my games. I have the desire and ability to be a dependable two-way player who can contribute in more ways than one.

When Rempe is determined to show himself and the Rangers that he is the ideal fourth-line center, he works tirelessly to achieve his goals. Keeping at it throughout the offseason is where it all begins. The Offseason for Rempe Has Involved Rempe began his summer break with a three-day training session with Georges Laraque, a former NHL enforcer.

Among other things, Laraque sought out Rempe’s assistance with his self-preservation strategy because he was one of the most dreaded men in hockey throughout his playing career. This is what Laraque had to say about Rempe, as reported by the NY Post: “I’m telling you, the Rempe that you see — and again, I’m not saying that he’s going to look for it, but because of how physical he is it might happen— you will see a much different fighter.” That’s right. Anyone who has to answer to him will be in his debt, and I feel bad for them. It was quite a sight to watch the 22-year-old battle some of the NHL’s heavyweights on multiple occasions. Additionally, it demonstrated Rempe’s lack of experience in terms of pure combat technique and skill. With any luck, Rempe will become more intimidating to the opposition more defensive in his training sessions with Laraque, which should help him avoid serious injuries.

Everyone was curious about the promised improvements to the rest of his game after watching the footage of those sessions. Instead of returning to his home province of Alberta to practice with teammate Chris Kreider, Rempe declared his permanent return to the tri-state area at the July 25 Shoulder Check Showcase charity game. Rempe will put in additional time honing his all-around game in the two months leading up to training camp and preseason action, as the experienced winger seems to have taken him under his wing. Hopefully, next season, Rempe will play a more significant role, and his value will be measured by more than just hits and fights, thanks to his efforts to improve his skating, defense, and puck-handling.

Rempe’s Future Role in Season

The Rangers could benefit from Rempe’s enhanced defensive abilities now that Barclay Goodrow has left. Sam Carrick was brought in to take Goodrow’s position as fourth-line center, but with Rempe’s improvements, a redesigned shutdown fourth line with Carrick, Rempe, and Jimmy Vesey would be much more effective. The roster struggle between Adam Edstrom and Jonny Brodzinksi could come down to Rempe’s summer upgrades. Head coach Peter Laviolette will have an easier time penciling him in every night if he can reduce his major penalties and increase his efficiency on the rink, but his presence on the ice will still be an issue.

Having a player who is unable to keep up with the other talented players in the Eastern Conference is sure to lead to disaster. The Rangers might keep their physical element while still benefiting from an enhanced Rempe. For Rempe, the offseason is all about staying focused and not taking it easy. Training with Laraque and his new training partner, Kreider, will help Rempe improve all aspects of his game, which is the only way to secure a spot.