Rangers Recall Matt Rempe From Hartford 

Let’s just say that surely Matt Rempe is growing well acquainted with Amtrak this week. After joining Adam Edström in a recall at the end of last weekend, Rempe got his rookie lap in and took warm ups against the Calgary Flames on Monday Night, but returned to Hartford the next day. Now, with the injury to Blake Wheeler, there is as good a chance as any that Rempe could make his NHL debut in the outdoor game against the Islanders at MetLife Stadium on Sunday Afternoon.

There hasn’t been an official update on the status of Blake Wheeler as of the time of writing this, but it’s fair to assume that he is going to miss an extended amount of time. The Rangers just recalled Alex Belzile yesterday so they did still have twelve forwards without Wheeler, however bringing Rempe back gives them some a backup plan in the event anyone else is unavailable at the last minute. Regardless, Matt Rempe is no stranger to the New York Islanders and the storied hatred between them and the Rangers as he made himself right at home in a preseason match up where he fought tough guy Ross Johnston.

Given his initial call up the other day, the Rangers obviously have an interest in what he can bring to the team at the NHL level and Peter Laviolette has noted he likes what he’s seen in this player. Given the excitement and the build up of the first “Battle of New York” this season, in an outdoor setting, it makes a lot of sense for this to become his first NHL game. A fourth line of Goodrow – Edström – Rempe would be quite entertaining, especially against that famous identity line of Martin – Cizikas – Clutterbuck.