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The Pros and Cons of The Matt Rempe Situation

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In recent history, no New York Ranger has ever generated more hype and fanfare around their debut like Matt Rempe. The buzz started to generate once he was first recalled from Hartford. He was on the roster for their Original Six matchup against the Montreal Canadiens on February 15. Unfortunately, Rempe was a healthy scratch brought in for precautionary reasons. With an injury to Blake Wheeler, an opportunity presented itself to the former 2020 sixth-rounder. It was only fitting that the next game on the schedule was one that many fans were looking forward to. Yes, emphasize many.

Matt Rempe‘s Debut

Rempe made his debut in front of over 75,000 people at MetLife Stadium in the Stadium Series against the New York Islanders. Less than two minutes into the game, the 6-foot-8 Rempe was in his first NHL fight with veteran Matt Martin. The young Rempe held his own and from that moment on, he was a fan favourite.

Fast forward to today and Rempe is a certified cult hero. The rapid rise in popularity is being compared to a run similar to the likes of Jeremy Lin. Both have called Madison Square Garden their home and play in one of the most competitive markets in the world. Should fans worry about the safety of the new cult hero regarding injury and lineup safety? Here are the pros and cons of the Matt Rempe situation in New York.

Matt Rempe: The Positives

For the fellow Rangers fans reading this article, you or someone you know and love has said this once in their life as a Blueshirts fan.

“You know something, we’d be a lot better if just had some grit on this team, someone not afraid to throw the body.”

Enter Matt Rempe. Since his time in Hartford, the 6-foot-8 stud has been destined for the NHL just from his size and stature alone. So far, it’s been nothing but green pastures for the Alberta native, picking up tilts in four of his five games played. The previously mentioned Matt Martin is partially to thank for New York’s new phenomenon. What better way to establish yourself than to chuck some knuckles in front of approximately 50,000 diehard Rangers fans.

Like many teams, New York was always known for having that one enforcer who was ready to set the tone at any given moment. In the 1950s, it was “Leapin’ Lou” Fontinato who was feared by many. The 70s and 80s belonged to New York’s own Nick Fotiu, a Rangers legend. Finally, who could forget the antics of the anti-hero himself, Sean Avery? Now, Matt Rempe gets to add his name to that list.

One main positive that Matt Rempe brings is his youthful enthusiasm to a core that averages well over 30 years of age. Youth is something that New York longs for, especially with their forwards. Alexis Lafreniere, Kaapo Kakko, and William Cuylle are hoping to become long stays on this roster for years to come. Add a protector like Rempe and that calls for a dangerous core.

Also, Rempe will always provide that “spark” when it’s needed from Peter Laviolette‘s roster. Whether it is a hit, a fight, or even a goal, Rempe is now their guy.

Matt Rempe: The Negatives

In all honesty, there are not many negatives in the Matt Rempe situation. Despite ending their ten-game winning streak on Sunday, New York is on a memorable ride and Rempe has a first-class ticket. Yet, not all situations possess only positives. Still, there are some lingering concerns to the rise of Matt Rempe, starting with his overall health.

Sunday’s donnybrook against Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mathieu Olivier had its fair share of bombs from both participants. Unlike his fights against Martin, Nathan Bastian, and Nicolas Deslauriers, Rempe ate a lot of punches. If he is going to be New York’s own Doug Glatt (from 2011’s Goon), then he is going to have to learn some defensive tactics. It is a different game today, you simply do not need to fight every game. Only when it is absolutely necessary should he drop the gloves. His health is way more important than fans getting excited for two minutes.

Lastly, concerns will grow once New York becomes active in the upcoming Trade Deadline. Whether you like it or not, Matt Rempe might be the odd man out if another name is sought out by Chris Drury. Sure, there is a possibility that he can become the thirteenth forward and you can still see Rempe, especially against a rival. My advice would be to cherish this meteoric run because it simply will not last forever. Although, after the last week of Rangers hockey, how can you not love this kid?

Main Photo Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

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