"Literally refusing to take any blame", "A talentless goon": NHL fans irate at Matt Rempe's "marked man" comment after return from 8-game suspension

New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe rejoined the team for practice ahead of their Thursday game against the New Jersey Devils. Rempe had served an eight-game suspension for illegal boarding and elbowing Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen on December 20.

The incident, which occurred at 7:09 of the third period, was reviewed by the NHL's Department of Player Safety, resulting in a suspension and an $80,000 fine, which went to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

Speaking to the media after practice, the 22-year-old Rempe reflected on his suspension, saying it gave him time to reassess his game.

"I've got to be a lot smarter, I don't have to make every hit, if that makes sense," Rempe said.

This was Rempe's second suspension following a four-game ban last March for an illegal check to the head of 27-year-old Jersey Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler. Rempe acknowledged that he cannot afford to repeat these offenses, saying:

"I gotta still play my game but also, like, it can't happen again or else it's going to be a huge suspension"

Rempe has accumulated an impressive number of penalty minutes in his young career. In just 17 games last season, he racked up 71 penalty minutes. In 22 regular games with the Rangers, Rempe has been handed four game misconducts and eight major penalties. Acknowledging the consequences of his aggressive style, Rempe recognized that he has become a target on the ice, stating:

"I'm a marked man right now. I've got to keep it clean."

Here's how fans reacted on X after listening to Matt Rempe's post-practice press briefing:

"He's a talentless goon. I'd say he's a clown, but the rangers are the actual clowns by continuing to run him out there", one fan fan wrote on X.

"Or just stop throwing dirty hits? Idk just a thought", another fan wrote.

"He’s not a “marked man” he’s a dirty player and has been recognized as one lmao I love how he plays the victim card as if he didn’t try and hurt players", reacted another fan.

"Dude is literally refusing to take any blame..", another X user said.

Despite widespread criticism of Matt Rempe's aggressive play, which led to his suspension, some fans came to his defense, questioning the league's decision to suspend him.

"Poor kid. I'll never forgive the league", wrote one fan.

"Poor kid is a marked man. How can he play effective hockey with that s*** lingering over his head. I've seen worse hits not get called", wrote another fan.

"A shame what they’re doing to this kid", reacted one fan.

NY Rangers face new concerns as Filip Chytil injured amid Matt Rempe's return

NHL: New York Rangers at Chicago Blackhawks - Source: Imagn

As Matt Rempe returns to the Rangers' lineup after serving his 8-game suspension, the team has been dealt another blow with the injury of 25-year-old center Filip Chytil. The Czech native exited the Rangers' game against the Dallas Stars midway due to an unspecified upper-body injury and did not return.

Chytil has been a key contributor to the Rangers, tallying 10 goals, seven assists, and 17 points in 32 games. The injury news comes at a critical time for the Rangers, who have struggled to replicate their impressive 5-0-1 start to the season. Despite being the reigning Presidents' Trophy winners, the Rangers have floundered to a dismal 18-20-2 record, leaving them near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division.

The team's loyal fan base, who had hoped this season would bring an end to their three-decade-long Stanley Cup drought, are now left wondering what's gone wrong.