New York Rangers Matt Rempe feels uncomfortable being in the Spotlight

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Joshua Deeds
August 16, 2024 (6:02 PM)

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Matt Rempe gained notoriety last year, as he took on many heavyweights in the NHL. He would also be a quick fan favorite, after being the one Ranger to step in to fight and defend himself and his teammates.

However, it's arguable he's not reached his full potential yet.

His physical style of play and lack of fear when it comes to throwing down with anyone in the NHL has of course garnered him love on Broadway.

Fans have gone as far as to chant his name, there's no shortage of love for the enforcer.

However, this hasn't put Rempe's mind at ease, as he feels the pressure mounting for this coming season:

"I'm getting all this attention, and I feel like I have to earn it," Rempe told NHL.com. "I've gotten on the scene, I've done well, but there's so much room for growth. I don't want to let anyone down. I'm terrified of that. That pushes me every single day to try to do the max that I can and ask how much better did I get today?"

Rempe's toughness brought fans much joy and love, but that isn't the be-all, end-all in the NHL. His minutes and production show a player that still has to develop in the league.

That is in order to earn the trust of coach Laviolette.

In 17 regular season NHL games, Rempe scored one goal, and had a TOI of 5:38 and his time would be further diminished during the playoffs.

Improvement comes with time and practice, which Rempe has been doing during the offseason, training with Georges Laraque for example.

"I'm just trying to get better," Rempe said. "I feel like I can be a very effective bottom-six player who is fast, mean, physical, skates well, protects pucks, goes to the net, is good around the net, can play center or wing.

"I want to be a good penalty killer. I feel like I can be a guy one day on a shutdown line that can be very hard to play against and also create some offense around the net, bring pucks to the net. I've got a long way to go but that's all I'm working toward."

Hopefully, with Rempe, he can show improvement on the ice, and the Rempe madness will continue into a 2nd season.

Source: The Hockey News
Matt Rempe Doesn't Feel Worthy Of Spotlight