THESE IS THE BEST NEWS WE COULD HOPE FOR: New York Rangers, Professional Ice Hockey Community, and NHL Overjoyed as Head Coach Mike Sullivan Makes Monumental Announcement Naming Right Winger Matt Rempe a Starter
In what is already being hailed as one of the most thrilling developments of the NHL offseason, the New York Rangers and their massive, loyal fanbase are erupting with joy as newly appointed head coach Mike Sullivan made a stunning announcement: Matt Rempe, the 6’8” powerhouse forward who has captured the hearts of Rangers fans with his fearless play and towering presence, will officially begin the upcoming NHL season as the team’s starting right winger.
This move marks a dramatic and uplifting turn in Rempe’s journey — from a long-shot sixth-round draft pick to a starting forward on one of the league’s most storied and scrutinized franchises. The decision from Sullivan, a two-time Stanley Cup-winning coach known for his tactical discipline and tough roster standards, electrifies the Rangers organization and the entire professional ice hockey world.
“This is the best news we could hope for,” said longtime Rangers supporter Steve Coughlin, who has followed the team for more than 40 years. “We’ve watched this kid grow, fight, and claw his way into the conversation. Now he’s starting? It’s a dream come true — for him, for us, and for hockey.”
Mike Sullivan’s announcement came during an afternoon press conference at the Rangers’ practice facility, and even seasoned reporters were stunned by the news. Few expected Rempe, who was drafted 165th overall in 2020 and played limited NHL games last season, to earn a top-line spot heading into this season. But Sullivan made it clear: this isn’t a gimmick or a morale boost. This is a hockey decision grounded in performance, potential, and purpose.
“We’ve evaluated every aspect of our lineup this summer,” said Sullivan. “When it came down to it, Matt earned this. He’s not just a big body — he’s a smart, physical, and evolving player who makes the guys around him better. He brings energy, edge, and commitment every shift. He earned this role the right way.”
For Rempe, the announcement represents the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination. Standing in front of reporters after the reveal, his voice cracked with emotion. “It’s honestly surreal,” he said. “I know where I came from. I know the odds. I just kept my head down and worked. To be named a starter by Coach Sullivan, for the New York Rangers — it’s everything. I’m ready to give everything I have.”
Rempe’s rise is the story that hockey fans live for. Born in Calgary, Alberta, he was never pegged as a future NHL superstar. He was passed over on multiple draft boards and began his career as a developmental player with the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds. Scouts saw size, toughness, and raw athleticism, but questions lingered about his speed, puck control, and offensive upside.
Now, just a few years later, those questions have been answered — emphatically.
Rempe spent last season bouncing between the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack and the Rangers’ bench. In limited appearances at the NHL level, he left an unforgettable impression. Fans will recall his explosive debut — which included a fight just minutes into his first shift — and his unmatched energy whenever he stepped on the ice. He became a crowd favorite not just for his physical style, but for his attitude: fearless, team-first, and always with a smile.
“He changed the energy of the building every time he played,” said Rangers veteran Chris Kreider. “You just feel it when he hops over the boards. It’s contagious. And now he’s bringing that to our top line. It’s going to be fun.”
From a tactical perspective, Sullivan’s decision is also rooted in strategy. Rempe’s combination of size, reach, and strength makes him a natural fit alongside playmakers like Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin. His ability to create space, win puck battles in the corners, and screen goaltenders in front of the net adds a new dimension to the Rangers’ attack — one that Sullivan intends to fully leverage.
“He’s going to do the dirty work,” Sullivan explained. “He’ll crash the net, win the boards, and make life miserable for opposing defensemen. That opens up a lot for his linemates. But don’t underestimate his hands — he’s worked hard on his shot, his positioning, and he’s learning how to finish plays.”
In training camp and preseason games, Rempe’s development was undeniable. He registered goals in back-to-back matchups, logged top-line minutes with surprising comfort, and held his own against veteran defensemen. His skating — once a point of concern — has improved significantly, thanks in part to offseason work with Rangers skills coaches and his own personal team.
“This offseason was the most important of my life,” Rempe said. “I treated it like it could be my last shot. I worked on everything — conditioning, puck skills, footwork, even visualization. I didn’t want to just make the roster. I wanted to be ready if they gave me the chance.”
Now, he has that chance. And with it comes pressure, scrutiny, and expectations that would intimidate most players. But Rempe is not most players. His teammates speak of him as a locker-room glue guy — light-hearted, humble, but serious when it matters. Coaches see a moldable competitor. Fans see a symbol of hope, a bridge between the blue-collar grit of the past and the skill-heavy speed of the modern NHL.
Social media exploded within minutes of the announcement. Clips of Rempe’s fights, goals, and mic’d-up moments began circulating again with renewed vigor. His name trended nationally, not just in New York, but across the hockey world. Former Rangers legends chimed in online, praising the move. Even players from rival teams expressed their respect.
“Rempe is the kind of guy you hate to play against but love to have on your team,” said one Eastern Conference defenseman anonymously. “He’s huge, he hits hard, and he’s learning fast. If he stays healthy and confident, he’s going to be a nightmare.”
Rangers GM Chris Drury also issued a statement, commending Sullivan’s decision and emphasizing the organization’s support for Rempe’s continued growth. “Matt Rempe embodies what we want our team to be about — hard work, character, and relentless competitiveness. He’s earned this moment, and we’re thrilled to see him take the next step.”
For the NHL at large, this moment is more than just a feel-good story. It’s a reminder that success isn’t always reserved for the top draft picks or the flashy prospects. Sometimes, the players who slip under the radar — the ones with rough edges and oversized jerseys — end up being the heart of a team.
Madison Square Garden is known as “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” and it has witnessed some of hockey’s most iconic moments. This fall, when the puck drops for the Rangers’ home opener, Matt Rempe will be on the ice, wearing a starter’s patch, greeted by a thunderous ovation from fans who see in him everything they love about the sport: sacrifice, effort, and heart.
“I just want to play the right way,” Rempe said. “Hit hard, work harder, and leave it all out there. If I do that, I’ll make New York proud.”
These truly are the best days for Rangers fans — days of promise, passion, and purpose. And now, with Matt Rempe set to start on the right wing, the Rangers are not just chasing wins. They’re chasing identity. And in Rempe, they’ve found it.
The rise is real. The moment is here. Let the Rempe era begin.
