Matt Rempe's 8-game suspension prompts Elliotte Friedman to issue stern warning for Rangers star

Matt Rempe was handed an eight-game suspension on Sunday after he boarded and elbowed Dallas Stars player Miro Heiskanen. It's not the first time the league has handed down discipline to Rempe, but the latest infraction has prompted hockey insider Elliotte Friedman to provide his take on the play.

He said Rempe had some good shifts, but that he also made a "terrible play" that there's "no defending." Friedman said on Monday's episode of the "32 Thoughts" podcast (25:15):

"He deserved the suspension for it and all I can say is I hope he learns his lessons... He's just gotta learn his lessons, and if he doesn't, then, you know, he's gonna keep getting suspended or eventually his NHL dreams will come to an end."

Friedman cautioned the New York Rangers star to slow down on the suspension-worthy plays or he might find himself out of the league. He also noted that the suspension's length is interesting.

The NHL insider said that Rempe is slated to miss the Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, Chicago Blackhawks and the Stars.

He added:

"In the old days, like, probably the 80s, that suspension would stop at seven [games] and you would have seen a day where the Dallas Stars were probably going to be allowed to get revenge on their own."

Ultimately, the Stars will only be able to take revenge on Rempe's team, especially since they lost 3-1 to a team that had been losing at an alarming rate before that game.

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NHL discusses Matt Rempe verdict

Matt Rempe was handed down a rather severe punishment for his hit on Miro Heiskanen. The Rangers star will miss eight games dating back to the incident, and the NHL revealed its reasoning.

Matt Rempe got an eight-game suspension (Imagn)

NHL Department of Player Safety's release stated:

"Rempe explodes upwards into a hard check into a defenseless Heiskanen while at the same time extending his elbow and forearm up and into the back of Heiskanen's neck, driving Heiskanen dangerously into the boards and glass," the department's ruling said, according to ESPN.

The NHL cited the CBA in determining how long Rempe should be banned. It states that "players who repeatedly violate league playing rules shall be more severely punished for each new violation."

Rempe played just 23 combined regular-season and playoff games since the last time he was suspended. Last year, he got a four-game suspension for elbowing.