New York Rangers rookie forward Matt Rempe was suspended four games by the NHL Department of Player Safety on Tuesday after elbowing New Jersey Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler in the head Monday night. It’s the first suspension of Rempe’s 10-game NHL career. Rempe will forfeit $17,083.32, with the money going to the players’ emergency assistance fund. He can appeal the suspension to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who would have the final say on that appeal.
Rempe was given a game misconduct with 30 seconds remaining in the second period of the Rangers’ 3-1 win over the Devils. Siegenthaler held up near the red line after shooting the puck into the attacking zone. Rempe skated toward him and stretched his left arm to connect with Siegenthaler’s head. The on-ice officials conferred, reviewed the play, and confirmed that Rempe had earned a five-minute major for elbowing and a game misconduct. Siegenthaler did not return for the third period, and Devils coach Travis Green said “he’s not doing great” when asked about his status.
NHL’s Verdict
In its ruling, the NHL Department of Player Safety believed Rempe raised his arm up into Siegenthaler’s head after realizing he had mistimed his check. The counterargument from Rempe, the Rangers, and the NHLPA was that the contact was unavoidable because Siegenthaler stopped short and that Rempe might have just been bracing himself for impact against the boards. The NHL disagreed, stating, “Rempe is clearly committed to throwing a check on this play. Having ended up at an angle of approach that would take him across the front of Siegenthaler’s body and potentially miss him entirely, Rempe chooses to flare his elbow both up and away from his body in dangerous fashion, driving it directly into the head of Siegenthaler with substantial force.”
The four-game suspension means Rempe will miss Tuesday night’s critical game against the Carolina Hurricanes, as well as games against other Eastern Conference teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins, plus Sunday’s showdown at Madison Square Garden against the New York Islanders. This suspension undoubtedly puts the Rangers at a disadvantage in these key matchups, especially with Rempe being one of the most physical players on the team.
Rempe has quickly become one of the most divisive players in the NHL during his brief career in the league. As well as being 6-7, he plays a physical game. Rangers fans have chanted his name at Madison Square Garden, as Rempe has become a cult hero despite not seeing the ice that often. Through the win over the Devils on Monday, Rempe has nearly as many penalty minutes (54) as minutes played (56:28) in his NHL career.
Previous Incidents Involving Rempe
This was Rempe’s second game misconduct in as many meetings against the Devils. On Feb. 22, Rempe was given a match penalty for an illegal check to the head of Devils forward Nathan Bastian just 2:22 into the first period. The NHL opted not to hand Rempe any supplemental discipline for that hit. Bastian hasn’t played in a game since then.
Reaction from Other Players
Devils forward Kurtis MacDermid criticized Rempe’s playing style, saying, “He’s a huge guy, and he’s throwing his elbows around like that. You’ve got to learn how to hit properly and not injure players.” MacDermid tried to engage Rempe in a fight a few times during Monday’s contest to avenge Bastian, with Rempe refusing. MacDermid was given a 10-minute misconduct for trying to fight Rempe after the hit on Siegenthaler.
Matt Rempe’s suspension has not only affected him personally but has also put the New York Rangers in a tough spot as they navigate important games without one of their key players. The incident highlights the fine line between playing aggressively and crossing the boundaries of safety in professional sports.
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