Truth be told, Matt Rempe hasn’t been around for that long. A 2020 sixth round pick, he’s played 48 career games for the New York Rangers. When they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets later tonight in what amounts to a big game due to the wild card race, the 22-year-old Rempe will again take his place on the fourth line.

A big, physical forward who towers over most opponents due to being listed at six-foot nine, 255 pounds, Rempe has finally established himself as an NHL regular. It took a while due to him serving an eight-game suspension for elbowing and boarding Miro Heiskanen of the Dallas Stars on Dec. 20. The stiff punishment came due to Rempe being a repeat offender. He previously served four games for elbowing and concussing New Jersey Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler on Mar. 11, 2024.

Since he returned to the lineup back on Jan. 9, the rookie has cleaned up his act. Most noticeable has been his improvement in skating. For a player of his size and stature, he’s come a long way over a short time. In fact, he’s gained the trust of Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette. More effective on the forecheck and making better reads in the neutral zone, Rempe has been a positive contributor on an underachieving roster that’s fighting for the postseason.

In 25 games since the suspension, he’s scored two goals and added three assists for five points while finding chemistry with either Jonny Brodzinski or Sam Carrick on the fourth line, which now features fellow freshman Brennan Othmann. Lately, it’s been with Brodzinski centering the line that provides energy and a consistent cycle. Something that wasn’t all too common earlier this season. With Brodzinski continuing to prove that he’s capable of providing secondary scoring due to a shoot first mentality, the fourth line has been getting it done. Othmann brings more speed and skill along with the willingness to battle in the corners. It won’t be long before he records his first NHL point.

Despite his improvement, Rempe isn’t getting the benefit of the doubt from the stripes. In the last two games, a pair of calls went against him that cost the Rangers goals. On Tuesday, Mar. 11 with the game tied at one in the second period against the Winnipeg Jets, Rempe was assessed a two-minute minor for interference on Connor Hellebuyck. The replays clearly indicated that he was shoved from behind by a Jets player when he collided with Hellebuyck.

As the penalty was nearing its conclusion, Gabe Vilardi scored on the power play to put the Jets ahead 2-1. Unfortunately, despite playing the number one team in the league well, the Rangers were unable to tie the game, falling 2-1 in regulation. Afterward, Laviolette took the high road on the controversial call that went against his player.

Two nights later when the Rangers faced the Minnesota Wild, Rempe was sent off for interference on Devin Shore. However, it was another clear case of a reputation call going against him. On the play in question, Rempe didn’t even see Shore when he accidentally collided with him at the blue line. With him set to return from the penalty box, Marcus Johansson converted on the man-advantage to tie the score at two in the third period. When he returned to the Rangers bench, a visibly upset Rempe was seen showing frustration over the call.

Eventually, the Rangers pulled out the game 3-2 in overtime thanks to a goal from Braden Schneider. It was a big two points to give them 70 on the season – putting them in a tie with the Blue Jackets, who still hold the second wild card due to one fewer game played. For the Rangers, they overcame a bad call against Rempe to get the win.

Most eye-opening is that referee Brandon Blandina who made the call apologized to Rempe after the game. Ironically, he also called Rempe for interference against Hellebuyck. While it’s nice that he was accountable for the second interference minor, it cost the Rangers a goal. Unlike the game against the Jets when they didn’t earn any points, it didn’t cost the Rangers versus the Wild.

With points at a premium in a playoff race with the schedule dwindling down, the NHL can ill afford to have such poor officiating helping decide games. It definitely puts Rempe under the microscope during each shift. He was already being watched closely due to his reputation. In a close game, does it impact how Laviolette coaches? He hasn’t deviated lately from sending Rempe over the boards.

What happens when Adam Edstrom returns? He’s missed significant time due to suffering a lower-body injury against the Boston Bruins on Feb. 1. He isn’t expected back until April. When the games are even more significant this spring, who comes out of the lineup? If you base it on effectiveness, Rempe should remain in. Much will depend on how he’s officiated. As long as he continues to play his game within the boundaries, Rempe is an effective player who supplies energy. Can he play without the officials making a crucial mistake? That remains to be seen.

Fox Expected to Return to Lineup

Entering Saturday, the Rangers have 16 games remaining. They need to probably win at least 10 to have a realistic chance at making the playoffs. If we’re being fair, 92 points is probably the magic number. So. They can’t afford any more slipups.

Adam Fox is expected to return to the lineup after missing the last eight games. The Rangers went 3-3-2 without him. It’ll be interesting to see how Fox looks. He should be able to help a power play that’s gone 2-for-25 since he went down. Fox will likely replace Carson Soucy, who stayed on late during practice. It’ll be interesting to see who plays with him on the top pair.