Matt Rempe is striving to secure a spot on the New York Rangers roster after a series of injury setbacks limited his playing time last season. The 6-foot-9 forward’s recovery from a thumb injury sustained during a fight with Ryan Reaves in October 2025 and subsequent surgeries meant he appeared in just 26 games. His last NHL appearance before the Rangers’ recent preseason matchup against the New Jersey Devils was on February 5.

During the opening days of training camp, Rempe was repeatedly seen rotating on the fourth line behind Jaroslav Chmelar, reflecting the challenge he faces in reestablishing his position. Head coach Mike Sullivan acknowledged the necessity for Rempe to gain more in-game experience to regain his role on the team. Sullivan also noted the emergence of Chmelar late in the previous regular season has complicated Rempe’s path back onto the lineup.

Rempe expressed a strong desire to prove himself: “There’s 100 percent desperation to land a spot on the Blueshirts’ roster.” Despite his limited availability last year, Rempe maintained optimism about his physical readiness, noting a productive summer and positive early impressions in training camp. He indicated he has regained his pre-injury level of play, especially in physical aspects such as shooting and puck handling, which had suffered due to the left thumb injury.

The forward acknowledged uncertainty about whether there will be a psychological barrier when returning to fighting but indicated he has stayed physically engaged throughout his recovery. Rempe’s previous reputation as a tough, disruptive player — once demonstrated by his fight with former Islander Matt Martin during his debut season in 2023-24 — now faces the test of consistency and durability in his return.

The Rangers are also working with Rempe to improve his defensive awareness and reliability, while the player himself has expressed a willingness to enhance his offensive contributions beyond the five goals and 11 points he registered last season.

Despite these efforts, Rempe’s place on the Rangers roster is not guaranteed. He must clear waivers to be assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League if he does not make the NHL squad. The condensed training camp schedule limits opportunities for him to make a strong impression.

Sullivan described Rempe as “a disruptive player” who creates problems for opponents when in the lineup but emphasized that at this stage, he “just needs to play.” With limited time remaining in camp, Rempe understands the expectations and the elements he must bring to his game in order to solidify his future with the Rangers.