New York Rangers defenseman Matt Rempe has been handed an eight-game suspension and an $80,000 fine by the NHL's Department of Player Safety following a boarding incident involving Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen. The incident occurred during the Rangers' 3-1 victory over the Stars on Friday, December 20th, resulting in Rempe receiving a game misconduct.
Rempe, known for his physical style of play, was recalled to the Rangers' main roster just three days prior to the incident. The league considers Rempe a repeat offender, citing his four ejections in only 22 career NHL games. He has spent a significant portion of the current season with the Hartford Wolf Pack, the Rangers' AHL affiliate, having been briefly recalled in November before being sent back down.
The Friday game marked Rempe's first appearance with the Rangers since November 25th. While with Hartford, he tallied three goals, two assists, and 22 penalty minutes in 18 games. He gained notoriety among Rangers fans last season and during the playoffs for his aggressive playing style, which included two ejections and a four-game suspension for elbowing New Jersey Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler in the head in March.
In his five games with the Rangers this season, Rempe has accumulated 24 penalty minutes and no points. The Rangers, currently holding a 16-16-1 record, lost to the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 on Sunday.
