Rangers Forward Rempe Shrugs Off Trade Rumors
The 6-foot-9 player has skated in only two games this season as Oilers interest grows.
By Harper Hassan ·
New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe has played in just two games this season. A trade rumor linking him to the Edmonton Oilers emerged last week, adding pressure to his limited ice time.
Sportsnet reporter Frank Seravalli reported that Oilers head coach Mike Babcock admires Rempe. The report noted that the 6-foot-9 forward is a potential option for a team seeking more size. This is the first trade rumor to surround Rempe during his four years in the NHL.
Rempe entered the season on the roster but fell out of the fourth-line rotation. He last skated in a game on Tuesday when the Rangers hosted the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden. Head coach Mike Sullivan placed Rempe on the fourth line for that matchup. The line also included center Noah Laba and Jaroslav Chmelar, who had been recalled recently.
The player from Calgary said he avoids social media to keep the chatter from distracting him. He told The Post on Monday that he is focused on getting back into the lineup. “I don’t pay attention to that stuff,” Rempe said. “That type of stuff’s all out of my control. I’m just focused on here and trying to get better and get in the lineup and make the most of those opportunities.”
Rempe’s path to the lineup has been hindered by injury. He underwent two thumb procedures after a fight with Ryan Reaves in October 2025. The recovery limited his puck movement and stick handling. He claimed to be fully recovered during training camp and fought Jeffrey Viel on Oct. 13 against Tampa Bay.
Rempe appeared in the season opener against the Boston Bruins and again on Oct. 13 against the Lightning. He has not played in the three weeks since. Sullivan has continued to search for solutions for the fourth line, which has seen little game action. Rempe says the Edmonton rumor makes his future with the Blueshirts a bit murky.
“Just don’t read into anything like that,” Rempe said. “Whatever happens happens. That’s out of your control, so you just try to focus on what you can do each day. When I’m out at the rink, I’m doing things I like to do and not paying attention to that type of stuff.”
Source: New York Post
