Breaking News: Rangers’ Matt Rempe handed 4-game suspension for head-hit with elbow…

Is 4-game suspension sufficient for Matt Rempe? (2:10)

Greg Wyshynski, ESPN

Mar 12, 2024, 05:01 PM ET

New York Rangers newcomer Matt Rempe received a four-game suspension from the NHL Department of Player Safety for elbowing New Jersey Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler in the head during Monday night’s game.

This marks Rempe’s first suspension in his ten-game NHL career. Rempe will lose $17,083.32 in earnings, which will be directed to the players’ emergency assistance fund. He has the option to challenge the suspension to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who holds ultimate authority on such appeals.

The incident occurred with 30 seconds left in the second period of the Rangers’ 3-1 victory over the Devils. Siegenthaler was struck after releasing the puck near the red line, prompting the officials to issue Rempe a five-minute major for elbowing and eject him from the game.

Siegenthaler did not return for the third period, and Devils coach Travis Green indicated concern about his condition, stating he was “not doing great.”

Following the game, the Devils advocated for Rempe’s suspension, with Green suggesting the Rangers’ player had intent to cause harm with his hit.

The NHL Department of Player Safety determined that Rempe raised his elbow into Siegenthaler’s head upon realizing he had mistimed his check.

Despite arguments from Rempe, the Rangers, and the NHL Players’ Association that the collision was unavoidable due to Siegenthaler’s sudden stop, the NHL disagreed, citing Rempe’s deliberate action and the force exerted.

The four-game suspension sidelines Rempe for a crucial matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes and upcoming games against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins, and New York Islanders.

Rempe, standing at 6 feet 7 inches, has garnered attention for his physical style of play, becoming a polarizing figure in the NHL. Despite limited ice time, he has accumulated significant penalty minutes compared to his playing time.