Matt Rempe, a fan-favorite forward, has been called up by the New York Rangers from their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. This decision followed the trade of Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken, creating a vacancy in the team’s roster.
Rempe, known for his towering presence, started the season with the Rangers but spent more time as a healthy scratch than on the ice. Over four games, he averaged 6:26 of ice time, with no points and one fight against Washington Capitals defenseman Dylan McIlrath. In contrast, his performance in the AHL has been more productive. In 18 games with Hartford, he scored five points (three goals and two assists) while logging significant minutes in various situations, including power plays and penalty kills. This versatility has been crucial for his development as a player.
During the offseason, Rempe focused on improving his overall skills, particularly his skating, while training with Chris Kreider. Despite his efforts, he lost out to Adam Edstrom for a spot on the Rangers’ fourth line and was sent to the AHL. His demotion sparked disappointment among fans, as Rempe had gained popularity during the previous season with his gritty style, racking up 71 penalty minutes in 17 games. He also contributed during the playoffs, scoring the team’s first postseason goal against the Capitals.
Now, with Kakko’s departure, the Rangers have several options for filling the void. Brett Berard or Jimmy Vesey might secure a role on the third line, while Rempe is expected to compete with Jonny Brodzinski, Edstrom, and Sam Carrick for time on the fourth line.
In a related move, the Rangers acquired defenseman Will Borgen from the Kraken in exchange for Kakko. This addition led to rookie defenseman Victor Mancini being reassigned to Hartford. Mancini, who began the season impressively, has struggled in recent games. His advanced metrics, including a 0.37 expected goals for (xGF) and a 39.6 Corsi, are the lowest among Rangers skaters with at least three games. In 15 NHL games, Mancini tallied five points (one goal and four assists) and scored his first goal against Detroit. Returning to Hartford is expected to help him regain confidence and refine his game.
The Rangers’ roster adjustments include positioning Borgen alongside Zac Jones on the third defensive pairing, while newcomer Urho Vaakanainen, acquired in the Jacob Trouba trade, recently made his debut. Meanwhile, Chad Ruhwedel will likely shift to a backup role as the team adapts to these changes.
As the season unfolds, the Rangers are navigating these transitions with hopes of strengthening their lineup and maintaining momentum.