The NHL Department of Player Safety has handed down a severe punishment to New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe, suspending him for eight games after an illegal hit on Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen. The incident occurred in the third period of the Rangers’ win over the Stars on Friday night.
With just over 12 minutes remaining in the game, Rempe skated in on Heiskanen as the Stars blueliner played the puck near the boards. Rempe delivered a crushing blow, driving Heiskanen’s head into the glass with his elbow and forearm. Heiskanen crumpled to the ice as players from both teams swarmed together in the aftermath.
A Repeat Offender
Making matters worse for Rempe is his status as a repeat offender. Just last season, the hulking 6-foot-9 winger was suspended four games for elbowing New Jersey Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler. As a repeat offender under the terms of the CBA, Rempe faced a more severe punishment this time around.
“Players who repeatedly violate league playing rules will be more severely punished for each new violation.”
– NHL collective bargaining agreement
After reviewing the play, NHL Player Safety determined that Rempe violated league rules regarding both boarding and elbowing. They noted that Rempe saw nothing but Heiskanen’s numbers as he approached, putting the onus on Rempe to avoid the dangerous hit. Instead, he exploded upwards and extended his elbow into the back of Heiskanen’s neck.
The Punishment
As a result of the illegal check, Rempe has been suspended for eight games without pay. Based on his average annual salary, the suspension will cost him $80,000. That money will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Rempe has the right to appeal the suspension to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. If Bettman upholds a suspension longer than five games, Rempe could then appeal to a neutral arbitrator. However, appeals of Player Safety rulings are rarely successful.
Impact on the Rangers
The loss of Rempe for eight games is a significant blow to the Rangers. The towering forward has become a physical force and fan favorite during his brief NHL career. In 17 regular season games last year, he racked up 71 penalty minutes while energizing the Madison Square Garden crowd with his aggressive play.
- Rempe has appeared in just 5 games so far this season
- He’s averaging only 6:15 of ice time per game
Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette had praised Rempe’s performance against the Stars before the fateful hit. “I thought he had a big impact on the game,” Laviolette said. “Would like to stay away from the five-minute major, but he’s doing his best to hit bodies and make a difference.” Now the Rangers will have to cope without Rempe’s physicality for an extended stretch.
Protecting Player Safety
While losing Rempe is tough for New York, this suspension sends a clear message about the NHL’s commitment to player safety. Dangerous hits, especially those involving the head, have no place in the modern game. The league has taken significant strides in recent years to eliminate avoidable head contact and punish players who deliver reckless hits.
“The NHL has come a long way in prioritizing player safety. Hits like these have serious consequences and the punishments need to reflect that.”
– anonymous NHL executive
It’s never easy for a team to lose a player to suspension, but the NHL must continue to crack down on dangerous and irresponsible play. Hockey is an inherently physical sport, but it can still be played the right way, without undue risk to players’ health and careers. The league’s decision to sit Rempe down for eight games shows there are serious consequences for crossing the line.
