Matt Rempe knows he is still developing as a player, which is why he's receptive to learning even when placed as a healthy scratch.
Despite making the team out of training camp, Matt Rempe was a healthy scratch for the New York Rangers in the team’s season opener, leading to some questions about his role.
However, Rempe is not discouraged about being benched and knows that there is still a long season ahead.
“You always want to play, but I’m always happy making the team and stuff,” Rempe said. “That was the goal going into camp, just taking it as a day to get better, watch the game, learn, watch your position. Obviously you want to play every game, but I’m just 22 so a lot of time to learn and improve. It’s alright.”
Last season, Rempe averaged just 5:38 minutes per game and was in and out of the lineup, so this is nothing new for the enforcer.
It’s a type of situation that Rempe has learned to adapt to as he just wants to continue his growth and help the Rangers be successful.
“I’m still super young and I just think that inside of my role, there are a lot of guys who are coming in and out like that… I’ve done it before in my career in juniors. It’s all good learning stuff and I know how to handle it,” Rempe said.
One of Rempe’s best attributes is the energy that he provides especially when playing at Madison Square Garden.
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette knows what Rempe brings to the table in terms of the spark that he ignites, which is why there is no cause for panic.
Rempe will likely play a substantial amount of games for New York this season and it will take some time before he ultimately transforms into an everyday kind of player.
The 22-year-old has handled his development in a mature way and that’s a positive sign of the kind of player he will ultimately become.