Rangers assign Matt Rempe to Hartford

In what is likely no surprise, the New York Rangers have assigned Matt Rempe to Hartford, returning the fan favorite to the AHL to get some minutes and work on other aspects of his game. The move was obvious, as Adam Edstrom had clearly beaten Rempe out for a spot, and with the fourth line clicking, Rempe simply didn’t have a roster spot.

Returning Rempe to Hartford is the second roster move made by the Rangers to begin accruing cap space for the season. Earlier yesterday, Chad Ruhwedel was placed on waivers and will be assigned to Hartford assuming he clears. Both moves will leave the Rangers with 12 forwards, 7 defensemen, and 2 goalies, plus Jimmy Vesey on LTIR.

Returning Rempe to Hartford may signal that Vesey will be ready to come off LTIR closer to his first day of eligibility, but we have yet to see him skate. Either way, Rempe is best served getting minutes and not sitting in the press box. They can find a veteran to do that.