After the New York Rangers defeated the New Jersey Devils 5-3 in a preseason match on Sunday, Mike Sullivan spoke highly of Matt Rempe. The centre from Calgary, drafted by the Rangers in 2020, assisted Dylan Roobroeck's goal and showcased strong play throughout the match.
Sullivan pointed to Rempe's ability to maneuver the puck and work hard in the offensive zone. The Rangers coach also mentioned the importance of Rempe's size and strength.
"I thought Remps had a great game," Sullivan said, via the New York Post's Mollie Walker. "He was really strong on pucks. He hangs onto pucks down low. I thought Remps did a really good job protecting pucks.
"He made good decisions when plays weren't there off the rush. He would drive pucks low, and he would go to work down underneath the hashmarks. When he does that, I think he's a handful for our opponents."
He also noted Rempe's effort on the first goal as a sign of his work ethic.
"He's just so big and so strong and he creates momentum for us," Sullivan said. "I thought the goal they scored, Remps' effort on that goal was outstanding. I've noticed (his speed) in the first few days of camp. He's in great shape, but he's a strong skater."
Rempe is in the second year of his two-year contract with New York, which has cap hit $975,000 per season. He played 42 matches last year, scoring three matches and adding five assists for eight points. Rempe has 10 points and 138 penalty minutes over his 59-game NHL career.