New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe has been suspended four games for elbowing New Jersey Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler during Monday night’s game, a 3-1 win for New York, the NHL announced Tuesday.
Rempe delivered an elbow to Siegenthaler’s jaw late in the second period, knocking him out of the game and earning a five-minute major for elbowing and a game misconduct.
Devils forward Kurtis MacDermid was also given a 10-minute misconduct for attempting to fight Rempe.
The 6-foot-7, 21-year-old Rangers rookie has become a sensation around the league with four fights and two ejections in 11 games since making his NHL debut less than a month ago. He was ejected the last time he played the Devils on Feb. 22 for a high hit on New Jersey’s Nathan Bastian.
How Rempe’s absence impacts New York
Rempe, who has two points in 10 games, is replaceable in the Rangers lineup, especially since coach Peter Laviolette wasn’t trusting him to play big minutes. Rempe has averaged only 5:39 of ice time a game. Jonny Brodzinski, who has 15 points in 43 games this year, is set to slot in Rempe’s place. He’s more skilled than Rempe, though less physical, but has proved to be a reliable depth option for the Rangers throughout the season.
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(Photo: Sarah Stier / Getty Images)
