It was announced today that New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe has been suspended for four games without pay by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for his hit on New Jersey Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler.
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The hit occurred during the March 11th matchup between the two teams. At 19:25 in the second period, Rempe skated toward Siegenthaler after he had shot the puck. Rempe lifted his left arm to connect his elbow to Siegenthaler’s head. The Devils defenseman left the game and did not return. Rempe was given a major penalty and game misconduct for the hit. The Rangers went on to win the game 3-1.
This is the first suspension for Rempe, whose NHL career spans 10 games at this point. He will forfeit $17,083.32 to the players’ emergency assistance fund in place of his salary for the four games. He can appeal the suspension to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman if desired.
The Rangers will play the Hurricanes, Lightning, Penguins, and Islanders without Rempe in the lineup. The team is currently in a tightly scheduled stretch as they compete in five games this week. Rempe, who was called up from the AHL in February, has been competing to stay in the lineup as the Rangers finish the regular season and move into the playoffs.
