The New York Rangers are one step closer to getting their muscle back.
Enforcer Matt Rempe has resumed skating, but there is still no timeline on a return to game play, head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters on Wedneday.
Rempe, 23, was injured in October following a fight with San Jose Sharks tough guy Ryan Reaves, after which Sullivan noted Rempe would be out long-term.
After sizing each other up and grappling in the game, Reaves’ helmet fell off, and then he was able to knock off Rempe’s with his next right. The two exchanged blows for more than 20 seconds with the crowd buzzing.
Rempe got Reaves’ jersey over his head and was striking at Reaves’ head when linesmen Shandor Alphonso and Matt MacPherson broke it up.
“He’s a big boy and you have to fight guys like that a little bit differently,” Reaves said. "I’ve seen him fight, so I know what he’s good at, what his weaknesses are. It was a good tilt.”
Reaves went to the penalty box to serve the five-minute major, while Rempe went down the tunnel with training staff.
Rempe, who is six-foot-nine and 261 pounds, became an instant fan favourite and popular teammate in 2024 for his willingness to fight some of the sport's most established enforcers. He spent time on the ice that summer with retired tough guy Georges Laraque getting technique tips on how to better use his reach and protect himself.
In nine games this season, Rempe has one goal. For his 68-game career, the 23-year-old owns five goals, six assists and 145 penalty minutes.
--with files from The Associated Press
