Rangers’ Matt Rempe sent down to AHL to get regular ice time

The Rangers assigned Matt Rempe to their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, on Thursday night.

The team announced the move after their 3-1 loss to the Florida Panthers a game in which the 22-year-old did not skate. In fact, Rempe has only played in two of the Rangers’ first seven games. In that time, he’s logged five hits and one blocked shot but not a point in his limited playing time.

It’s likely the move is to get the young Rempe some regular playing time as there is currently no room for him on the Rangers at this time.

Rempe burst onto the scene last season with his physical play and penchant to get into scraps with the opposing team. In 17 games played, he’s recorded two points (one goal). He did see 6:07 of ice time over 11 Rangers playoff games last season but did not dress for five of them.

“I want to go in and earn a role,” Rempe said during training camp. “I just want to go into camp, take strides from last year, work my bag off every day and show them I can be an effective player and that I’ve taken big steps from last season.”

There’s a lot of season left for the Rangers (5-1-1) and Rempe, so it’s likely the 6-foot-9 skater will make his way back to the Blue Shirts when he’s developed some more.