Rangers’ Matt Rempe suspended 8 games for hit on Stars player

The New York Rangers recalled tough defenseman Matt Rempe back to the main roster on Friday and suspended him for eight games three days later.

Rempe elbowed him and knocked him down Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen during New York’s 3-1 win Friday night. He was fouled on the play.

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New York Rangers center Matt Rempe is escorted to the box by official Tommy Hughes before being ejected for a game misconduct in the third period against the Stars in Dallas, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

The NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced that he was suspended for eight games for the play. He was also fined $80,000. The league said Rempea is considered a repeat offender. He played in only 22 regular season games in his career and was shut out four times.

Rempe spent most of the season playing in the American Hockey League for the Rangers’ affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. He started the season with New York, but did not last long in the team. He was recalled briefly in November before being sent back.

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New York Rangers center Matt Rempe, who has been ejected for game misconduct, throws the Stars’ Mira Heiskanen at the plate during the third period in Dallas, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Friday night’s win was Rempe’s first game with the Rangers since Nov. 25. He had three goals, two assists and 22 penalty minutes in 18 games with Hartford.

He became extremely popular with Rangers fans late last season and into the postseason for his hard-nosed style of play. He was ejected twice and received a four-game suspension for elbowing New Jersey Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler in the head in March.

The 2020 sixth-round pick has no points and 24 penalty minutes in five games for New York.

New York Rangers center Matt Rempe leaves the game after being ejected for game misconduct in the third period against the Stars in Dallas, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

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Rangers lost to Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday, 3.-1. The team is 16-16-1 this season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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