The New York Rangers had a reason to feel optimistic during Tuesday’s practice, as towering forward Matt Rempe joined the team on the ice for the first time since sustaining an upper-body injury in a fight with San Jose Sharks’ Ryan Reaves on Oct. 23.
The 6-foot-9 winger took part in drills wearing a no-contact red jersey. Coach Mike Sullivan confirmed that Rempe will travel with the team to Chicago for Wednesday’s game against the Blackhawks—a potential sign that he could soon resume full practice.
With the Rangers next playing on Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens, Rempe has a couple of extra days to ease back into game shape.
“He skated a fair amount on his own with our skills coaches. The next step is to get him around the group in a team setting in a non-contact jersey. That’s what he was today,” Sullivan said. “And then, obviously, the final step is to get him into game role scenarios.”
Rempe has recorded one goal and seven penalty minutes in nine games this season. A consistent presence at the start of the year, he contributed both offensively and defensively while toning down the drama and controversy that marked his early NHL career. Ironically, his injury came in his first fight of the season.
The Rangers will welcome Rempe’s return, particularly with the fourth line seeing rotations, centered by Sam Carrick. Regular fourth-line member Adam Edstrom remains sidelined, missing his fourth straight game. Sullivan confirmed Edstrom is following the “return-to-play protocol,” without revealing details about the 6-foot-7 forward’s injury. Edstrom has four points in 24 games this season.
Adam Fox Skates on Own, Remains on LTIR for Rangers
Sullivan also shared a small boost regarding star defenseman Adam Fox, who skated independently twice since being placed on LTIR with an upper-body injury nine days ago.
Fox must miss a minimum of 10 games, with Wednesday marking his fifth. No return date has been set, though it’s not expected to be a lengthy absence.
Without the 2021 Norris Trophy winner, the Rangers are 2-0-2, earning six of eight points last week. The team secured an overtime victory against the Dallas Stars and lost two overtime games to the league-leading Colorado Avalanche and the high-flying Vegas Golden Knights.
“I think the guys have done a really good job, they’re competing hard,” Sullivan said. “He’s not an easy guy to replace. He plays a lot of minutes, first and foremost. He helps us with our transition game, his ability to move the puck, join the offense. He’s active off the offensive blue line, helps us on the power play — and he defends hard.
“I think the guys that have stepped in have done a real good job as far as bringing what they bring, not trying to do too much, playing within themselves.”