There will be good competition, as the Rangers have a blend of veteran and rookie forwards to rely upon to place in special teams.
One of them, is firebrand forward, Matt Rempe, who has been a bruiser since he arrived in New York.
Originally, just utilized as a forechecker, he laid out excruciating hits on NHL players across the league.
He took to a third party, in Georges Laraque to improve his fighting skills, and would work to improve his offensive skills by working on his skating every day of the week.
Even though Matt Rempe has improved, it seems as if, Head Coach Laviolette has decided he won't use the speedster, Rempe on the penalty kill.
It appears, that he will use veteran forwards in that role, with Reilly Smith, and the gritty Sam Carrick to hold these spots at the beginning of the season.
This is understandable from a coach's perspective, you want a strong start for your team.
But, maybe with Rempe's newly found skills, Laviolette could find some way to increase Rempe's minutes.
He's worked hard enough to improve his game and could find a way to work him up into the 2nd Penalty Kill unit.
For now, he'll have to focus on making the opening night roster, before making any promotions to special teams.
Matt Rempe played 17 games for the Rangers in the NHL during the 2023-2024 season, scoring 2 points(1 G, 1 A), and has returned to the league with a purpose, becoming a better player.
Source: Sports.yahoo.com
Matt Rempe's Increased Speed Noticeable To Start Training Camp
POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 27 | 56 ANSWERS Are the Rangers increasing Matt Rempe's responsibilities? Will Matt Rempe be promoted to the special teams? | ||
Yes | 31 | 55.4 % |
No | 25 | 44.6 % |
List of polls |