RISE OF REMPE: Rangers Head Coach Mike Sullivan Names Matt Rempe Starting Right Winger in Move That Electrifies New York Hockey Community
In a bold, unexpected, and electrifying announcement that has taken the New York hockey community by storm, Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan officially named towering forward Matt Rempe as the team’s starting right winger heading into the upcoming NHL season. The decision, revealed during a media availability at the Rangers training facility in Tarrytown, has already sent shockwaves through the fanbase and across the league. Rempe, known for his physical presence, raw energy, and fearless style of play, has gone from a relative unknown to a central figure in the team’s plans — a stunning ascent that speaks volumes about his talent, work ethic, and untapped potential.
Matt Rempe, standing 6’8” and weighing over 240 pounds, is not your typical NHL forward. A former sixth-round draft pick from Calgary, Alberta, Rempe was never projected to be a franchise cornerstone or top-line player. In fact, during his early time with the Rangers organization, he was more frequently mentioned in the context of fourth-line enforcer duties, penalty-killing roles, and AHL development assignments. But now, with Sullivan — a two-time Stanley Cup champion — at the helm of the Rangers’ bench, everything has changed. The message is clear: this team is embracing a new identity, and Matt Rempe is at the heart of it.
“This isn’t just about size or toughness,” Sullivan said during the press conference, his voice calm but deliberate. “It’s about compete level, work ethic, and a hunger to improve every single day. Matt brings a presence on the ice that can shift the tone of a game. We believe he’s earned this opportunity, and we’re confident he’s ready for the challenge.”
Rempe’s reaction was as grounded as one would expect from a player who’s battled for every inch of recognition. “It’s a huge honor,” he said, beaming in front of reporters and cameras. “I grew up dreaming of playing in the NHL, but to be named a starter for the New York Rangers? That’s something I couldn’t have imagined a couple of years ago. I just want to keep proving myself, help the team win, and bring my best every night.”
The rise of Rempe is not just a great underdog story — it’s a seismic development for a Rangers franchise looking to redefine itself. After years of playoff frustration and unmet expectations, the organization has signaled a clear pivot under Sullivan, blending their existing core of skillful veterans with a renewed emphasis on physicality, grit, and accountability. And no one embodies that new philosophy more than Rempe.
While many fans remember Rempe’s early appearances last season — including a string of memorable fights and energy shifts that brought Madison Square Garden to its feet — it was his development away from the spotlight that truly earned him this role. Sources within the organization point to his tireless offseason training, improved skating, and surprising scoring touch as key reasons for his elevation to the top line.
Rempe’s preseason performances, both in training camp scrimmages and exhibition games, did not go unnoticed. He recorded multiple goals, assisted on key plays, and continued to show that he could not only protect his teammates but contribute meaningfully in the offensive zone. Perhaps even more importantly, he displayed a growing understanding of defensive responsibilities — a must under a detail-oriented coach like Sullivan.
“Matt’s learning curve has been steep, but he’s absorbed everything we’ve thrown at him,” said Sullivan. “He’s a student of the game, he listens, he watches film, and he applies feedback. He’s not satisfied with just being a physical presence — he wants to be a complete player.”
Sullivan’s decision to start Rempe alongside established stars like Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider — or in some rotations with Artemi Panarin — speaks to how much trust he has in the young forward. Rempe’s presence on the first line is designed to create space, draw defenders, and wear down opposing teams, while also giving him the opportunity to develop chemistry with high-level playmakers.
Veterans in the locker room have rallied around the move. “You can’t fake the kind of energy Matt brings,” Kreider said. “He’s a beast out there, but he’s also got a really good head for the game. When a guy puts in the kind of work he has, it lifts the whole room. We’re excited to see what he can do in this new role.”
Panarin echoed the sentiment, adding through a translator, “Rempe brings fire. Big heart. He does everything for the team. I like playing with guys who go 100% all the time.”
The decision also carries implications beyond the ice. In a league where teams are constantly searching for the right balance between finesse and force, Rempe’s rise signals a philosophical shift. The Rangers are no longer content with being simply skilled — they want to be feared. Rempe, with his massive frame, heavy hits, and now a growing offensive toolkit, represents that edge.
The fans have responded with enthusiasm rarely seen for a player who, less than two years ago, was an AHL project. On social media, hashtags like #RempeRise and #BigMattEnergy began trending within hours of the announcement. Rempe jerseys have surged in sales at the Rangers team store. The Garden Faithful — long known for appreciating heart-and-soul players — have clearly found their new hero.
“He reminds me of a young Adam Graves crossed with a little bit of Tie Domi,” said longtime season ticket holder Jamie Tannenbaum. “He plays with that kind of passion, but he’s smart. He’s not just out there throwing punches — he’s playing the right way. It’s been years since we had someone who makes you lean forward every time he’s on the ice.”
Of course, the pressure is now on. Being named a starter is only the beginning. The NHL is a league of constant adjustments, and opposing coaches will be looking to test Rempe early and often. Can he maintain discipline? Can he handle increased minutes against top-tier competition? Can he produce consistently without losing the edge that got him here?
Sullivan believes the answer is yes. “We’re not expecting him to be perfect. We’re expecting him to be relentless. That’s who Matt Rempe is.”
For Rempe himself, the moment is equal parts validation and motivation. He knows how unlikely his journey has been. He knows how many doubted his ability to play meaningful NHL minutes. And now, as a starting right winger on one of the league’s most high-profile teams, he knows the spotlight will be brighter than ever.
“I don’t take a second of this for granted,” he said. “I want to show kids who didn’t go in the first round, who weren’t the biggest names, that if you work hard and stay committed, anything’s possible. I’ve still got a lot to prove, and I’m just getting started.”
With opening night on the horizon, all eyes will be on No. 73 — a number that, until now, didn’t carry much weight in Rangers lore. That’s about to change. Whether crashing the net, laying a thunderous hit, or planting himself in front of the crease on the power play, Matt Rempe is ready to make his mark — and fans are ready to embrace him.
In a city that reveres hustle, toughness, and underdog triumphs, Rempe may have just become the perfect player for the perfect time. The rise of Rempe is real, and it’s happening at the heart of the world’s biggest hockey stage.
As the Rangers aim to contend for the Stanley Cup, they’ll do so with a new weapon on their top line — a giant with a giant heart, ready to battle every shift, every game. For Matt Rempe, the journey from the fringes to the front line is complete.
Now, the legacy begins.
