Matt Rempe battles back from thumb surgery ahead of Rangers camp

After undergoing two surgeries to fix a broken thumb, Matt Rempe devoted the offseason to regaining full hand strength and mobility, a prerequisite for returning to the NHL. The 6-foot-9 forward, whose season was largely lost in 2025-26, now faces Rangers training camp with his contract entering its final year. Rempe described himself as “extremely motivated” but admitted his hand still requires work and that he must be candid about lingering issues.

Coach Mike Sullivan, who valued Rempe’s ability to generate momentum, will have to assess him against emerging prospects, including former Wolf Pack teammate Jaroslav Chmelar. Because Rempe is no longer waiver-exempt, the Rangers risk losing him for nothing if they cut him, yet they may retain him to preserve depth. His performance in camp could determine whether his enforcer-style presence returns to the lineup.