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Matt Rempe Says He’s Recovered and ‘Extremely Motivated’ Ahead of Rangers Camp

Improved thumb function after two surgeries raises the stakes for his final contract year as he must compete with waiver-eligible prospects for a bottom-six spot.

Overview

  • Rempe told reporters Thursday at the Shoulder Check Showcase that his surgically repaired thumb has markedly improved after two operations and a focused offseason of hand, skating and skills work.
  • The 6-foot-9 forward missed most of 2025-26 after shredding his thumb in a fight and making a premature December return that extended his recovery, with his last game played on Feb. 5.
  • Rempe finished the season with one goal, 11 penalty minutes and an 8:36 average ice time across 26 games while still ranking high in hits per 60 minutes.
  • Entering the final year of his contract and no longer waiver-exempt, Rempe faces direct competition from young players such as Jaroslav Chmelar and Adam Sykora and may need a strong camp to secure an NHL roster spot.
  • The Rangers’ back-to-back playoff misses and last-place finish in the Eastern Conference increase pressure on roster decisions and make Rempe’s recovery and camp performance consequential for both his future and the team’s rebuild.