Rangers' Matt Rempe makes feelings known after returning from eight-game suspension for illegal hit

New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe returned to practice on Wednesday after serving an eight-game suspension for an illegal hit on Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen. The incident occurred on Dec. 23 and resulted in an in-person hearing where Rempe was handed the lengthy ban.

Speaking to reporters after practice, Rempe acknowledged the suspension gave him time for reflection.

"I gotta still play my game but also, it can't happen again or else it's going to be a huge suspension," Rempe said via Sportsnet.ca. "I've got to be a lot smarter, I don't have to make every hit, if that makes sense. I'm so big and I can get going so I've got to be able to pick my hits, to know when to make the hit.”

Rempe is no stranger to supplemental discipline. The 22-year-old was suspended four games last March for an illegal check to the head on New Jersey's Jonas Seigenthaler. This season alone he has amassed four game misconducts and eight major penalties in just 22 games.

With his reputation starting to precede him, Rempe knows he has a target on his back.

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

However, Rempe also understands the value he can bring to the Rangers when he plays on the edge while avoiding crossing the line.

"I feel like I'll veer on the side of caution for now… I've got to be smarter. Bring that energy, but more controlled. Be smarter."

Rempe is coming off a season where he accumulated 71 penalty minutes in just 17 games.

Matt Rempe's thoughts on avoiding penalties

Matt Rempe is learning to balance his physical play style with smart decision-making. He opened up about adapting his game to avoid costly penalties and suspensions.

"If I'm going to make every hit, some of them are risky," Rempe admitted. "Guys are trying to duck out of the way at the last second and I'm so big that I catch a piece, or something like that, I'm gone 20 games. I can't let anything like that happen."

To that end, Rempe emphasized the importance of being selective with his hits, particularly in the neutral zone.

"Hits, only make them if I know they're going to be a clean hit, a good hit, compared to if it's in any way in doubt," he explained.

With the Rangers set to face off against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, Matt Rempe's disciplined approach could be put to the test.