Rangers Depth: Matt Rempe Waits on Bench
The 6-foot-9 defenseman has played in only two of 14 games this season and faces a stylistic mismatch with the coaching staff.
By Andrew Yang ·
Matt Rempe has spent most of the 2026-27 season on the bench for the New York Rangers. The 6-foot-9, 24-year-old defenseman has appeared in just two of the team’s first 14 games. His ice time totals under four minutes. He has not played since Oct. 13, though he was on the ice for a brief stint on Sept. 29.
Rempe described his situation as frustrating during a practice session in Tarrytown on Saturday. He noted that his limited role feels like a stylistic mismatch for the current coaching system. Rempe said he focuses on controlling his effort during practice sessions. He stated he wants to prove he can earn more playing time when opportunities arise.
The player’s status on the roster is complex. He cannot be assigned to the American Hockey League without clearing waivers. A waiver claim would allow another team to claim him. This limits the Rangers' ability to move him out of the lineup without risking his contract.
Rempe’s playing time has declined compared to recent seasons. He appeared in 42 games during the 2024-25 campaign. That season included 67 penalty minutes. In the previous year, he played in 26 games. This season marks a sharp drop in his active status.
The Rangers face a four-game stretch in seven days starting Sunday at Madison Square Garden. The first opponent is the Edmonton Oilers. Head coach Mike Sullivan indicated the team is evaluating the return of Joonas Korpisalo. Korpisalo missed more than a month due to a foot infection. He resumed skating last weekend and practiced briefly on Friday.
Sullivan said the team will decide the best path for Korpisalo based on his progress. The coach expressed encouragement about the recovery but noted they must determine if the goalie needs an AHL game before reactivation. Korpisalo’s absence, along with the season-ending injury to Igor Shesterkin, forced Dylan Garand to start every game this season.
Backup goalie James Reimer was pulled after the first period in the team's last outing. Several skaters also missed Saturday's practice. Sean Durzi was out for maintenance reasons. Braden Schneider sat out due to an illness. Both are considered day to day. Eeli Tolvanen returned to practice after missing sessions for personal reasons.
