Calgary-born Matt Rempe is a rare breed in today’s NHL. In an era where the role of enforcer is nearly extinct, Rempe remains.
Rempe’s game is straight out of the era of guys like Donald Brashear, Derek Boogaard and Georges Laraque. The 6’9, 261lb Rempe is a hard-nosed, physical centre who makes his presence known every time he steps on the ice.
Rempe spent his junior career with the Spruce Grove Saints of the AJHL (now part of the BCHL) and the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds.
In his draft year, Rempe posted 31 points in 47 games. The New York Rangers drafted Rempe at 165th overall in 2020. He made an immediate statement during his NHL debut, shedding the mitts with veteran Islanders tough guy Matt Martin in his first NHL shift.
Since then, Rempe has had 10 NHL fights, notably against Nicolas Deslauriers, Mathieu Olivier, Arber Xhekaj and Ryan Reaves.
Would He Work In Calgary?
Since losing Ryan Lomberg to free agency this past summer, the Flames have lost a considerable amount of toughness.
The Flames are looking to open up a roster spot for younger guys. To make space, moving a guy like Adam Klapka to the AHL or sent away via trade could be possible for a player like Rempe, who is 24 years old.
He’s a large, imposing kid, and being a Calgarian himself, he would be a fan favourite as a Flame.
Rempe isn’t known for his goal-scoring prowess or playmaking ability. He’s a tough young forward who brings grit to his team.
The Flames, as an organization, are notably high on big, tough guys that can protect young goal-scorers. Whether it’s Ryan Lomberg, AJ Greer, Milan Lucic, Deryk Engelland or Brian McGrattan, Calgary has always liked to have a bit of old-school muscle on their team.
Rempe has done a lot of work in his community as well, being a frequent participant and fan favourite at the Junior Rangers Hockey Camp.
Rempe doesn’t fill a major need for Calgary, which works to the Flames’ advantage if they want him. Acquiring him wouldn’t cost much. If the Flames were to pick up Rempe, it would be via trade for something like a 7th-round pick or a waiver claim.
Heading into camp this September, Rempe is still very much trying to convince the Rangers he deserves a roster spot.
We aren’t gonna pretend like Rempe hasn’t hit his ceiling; he’s a guy you bring in as the 13th forward for a Battle of Alberta. He’d be in a very similar role to that of Ryan Lomberg from last season.
Enforcers aren’t sought after like they used to be.
Rempe could be a fun project for Craig Conroy and Flames management to take on. And we’d be lying if we said we weren’t even the least bit interested in seeing the Calgary native ignite a scrum during a Battle of Alberta matchup this upcoming season.
