New York Rangers enforcer Matt Rempe has been enjoying his time living with backup goalie and three-time Stanley Cup champion Jonathan Quick. Given Rempe is a rookie, as he has only played in 17 regular season games, he doesn't have his own place in New York yet.
Younger players often live with veteran teammates, and Quick decided to take Rempe in. He is a great veteran mentor for Rempe, who also gets along with his kids. Rempe even joked about being the "child" of his teammate in an interview on Thursday.
“I’m their oldest child,” Rempe said.
As Rempe said, he also plays with Quick's kids, and one of them even tried to fight him — as the forward is known for his fighting on the ice.
Quick is the Rangers' backup goalie and was previously the starter for the LA Kings and led them to Stanley Cup wins in 2012 and 2014. He was also part of the Vegas Golden Knights that won the Cup in 2023.
Rempe has skated with Quick and Chris Kreider in the offseason as he tries to make the team out of training camp, which is not a guarantee.
Rempe recorded one goal and one assist in 17 regular season games. He added one goal in 11 playoff games.
Matt Rempe competing for a roster spot
Matt Rempe will be competing with a couple of forwards for a roster spot on opening night for the New York Rangers.
Rempe will be vying against the likes of Brett Berard, Adam Edstrom and Brennan Othmann, as well as PTO invite Adam Erne. However, Rempe appears to be the frontrunner for a job as coach Peter Laviolette is impressed with the enforcer's improvements.
"He put in a lot of work," Laviolette said, via USA Today. "This is a young player that works tirelessly at his craft to become a more physical presence, skating and stick-handling, game and involvement. He worked at it hard, and that's what you love to see. You look to see those improvements come in camp now."
If Rempe makes the roster, he would add his physicality to the lineup. He also is a fan favorite who can help give the Rangers momentum during games with big hits and even fights.
New York will open its 2024-25 NHL season on the road on October 9 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.