Matt Rempe was assessed an eight-game suspension for his between-the-numbers hit on Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen on Friday in Dallas.
A repeat offender in the eyes of the NHL, as a player who has been disciplined within the last 18 months, Rempe’s punishment certainly reflects the league’s initiative to send a message.
The 6-foot-8 ½ forward crunched Heiskanen into the boards in the third period. Heiskanen hit the ice hard and went to the Stars locker room, but the 25-year-old missed just 6 ½ minutes of play before returning to the ice.
This is the second time Rempe has been suspended in his short career.
The Rangers rookie received a four-game suspension for an elbow to the head of Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler last season on March 11.
It’s been 23 games, including postseason contests, since that suspension.
That’s just 13 regular-season games between disciplinary hearings.
Rempe has earned four game misconducts in 22 regular-season contests, as well as eight major penalties.
This is the longest suspension the NHL has issued for an on-ice incident since handing Nazem Kadri an eight-game punishment for his illegal check to the head of Justin Faulk on May 19, 2021.
As is every player’s right, Rempe has 48 hours to have the NHL Players’ Association file an appeal on his behalf to commissioner Gary Bettman.
