NHL Department of Player Safety Releases Official Verdict Regarding Matt Rempe's Potential Suspension
Matt Rempe had to answer to the NHL Player Safety Department, but the Rangers enforcer may have now found himself with some extra punishment for his behavior.
Rempe, who has returned to the NHL after being recalled from the New York Rangers AHL affiliate the Hartford Wolf Pack, is facing a potential punishment for knocking into St. Louis Blues forward Jake Neighbours, knocking Neighbours down to the ice with both hands.
Whether it was in response to the incident or not, the Rangers have once again sent back down Rempe to the AHL with the Wolf Pack, recalling defenseman Chad Ruhwedel in the process.
Despite this move to demote Rempe, the NHL Department of Player Safety still had a good look at the hit and has decided on whether any further action will be taken after the incident.
According to St. Louis Blues beat writer Matthew DeFranks of the St. Louis Post Dispatch, Rempe will not face any further discipline for the hit.
According to DeFranks, the hit was looked at by the league but it was determined that Rempe's play did not warrant a suspension.
Rempe, 22, has been one of the most feared players in the NHL due to his violent, intimidating play on the ice, the 6'8 forward bringing back a pure physical style that has been both celebrated and criticized by some.
Per Natural Stat Trick, the Rangers are terrible with Rempe and he plays by far the shortest amount of time at only 39 seconds per shift for a whopping 25:36 total of ice time this year.
Matt Rempe has been pointless in four games for the Rangers this season, with seven penalty minutes on the year.
Rempe has had 2 goals and 3 points in 10 games in the AHL in 24-25 with Hartford, and Rempe is tied for the tallest player to play in the NHL this season, an inch behind the record held by 6'9 Zdeno Chara.
As it stands, he will return to the minors after his last game against the Blues. The Rangers continue to work out the 22-year-old Rempe who is still working out his game, which is largely focused on his size and strength.
If or when he will be back is to be determined, although one thing is clear it still going to be a wait for Matt Rempe before he gets a chance as a full-time NHLer.
FAQ: Matt Rempe Receives Verdict For Dirty Hit
Q1: Did Matt Rempe get suspended for his dirty hit?
A1: While the two-handed shove to Jake Neighbours resulted in a roughing penalty, there was no further discipline handed out to Rempe for the incident. The league took a look and decided they don't need to further punish Rempe.
Q2: Will Matt Rempe play for the New York Rangers any more this season>
A2: It's hard to determine, and considering how often they call up and send him down, there's not been any consistency so far. Not known for offense or defense, it's hard for Rempe to find a spot in the lineup as his role as enforcer starts to lessen more and more each season.
In closing, Matt Rempe didn't get suspended for his shove on Jake Neighbours, and the league determined that his roughing penalty was enough.
It's just another blemish on Rempe's season as he keeps making headlines and not for good reason.
