Rangers forward Matt Rempe plays first game in three weeks amid trade rumors

Matt Rempe skated for the first time in 19 days on Tuesday, playing four minutes in the fourth period against the St. Louis Blues. The 6-foot-9 forward spent the previous three weeks watching from the bench while head coach Mike Sullivan searched for stability on the fourth line.

Rempe made the New York Rangers roster out of training camp but fell out of the rotation after appearing in the season opener against the Boston Bruins and in the October 13 game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. His limited ice time coincides with a new trade rumor that has gained traction in the media.

Sportsnet reporter Frank Seravalli reported last week that Oilers head coach Mike Babcock is believed to admire Rempe. The report specifically linked Rempe as a potential option for a team seeking to add physical size to its roster. This marks the first trade speculation surrounding Rempe during his four years in the NHL.

Rempe, a native of Calgary, said he is staying off social media to limit the chatter. He told The Post on Monday that he is focused on earning his spot in the lineup. “I don’t pay attention to that stuff,” Rempe said. “That type of stuff’s all out of my control.”

The forward’s path this season has been complicated by injury. He underwent two thumb procedures in October 2025 following a fight with Ryan Reaves. The recovery limited his puck movement and stick-handling during the early part of the season. Rempe stated he was fully recovered during training camp and engaged in a physical altercation with Tampa Bay’s Jeffrey Viel on October 13.

Tuesday’s game placed Rempe on the fourth line alongside center Noah Laba and Jaroslav Chmelar, who was recently recalled. Rempe said he tries to focus on daily tasks at the rink rather than external speculation. “Whatever happens happens,” Rempe said. “You just try to focus on what you can do each day.”