The Rangers are off to a pretty good start, with five points in six games while looking like a strong Stanley Cup contender. They haven’t been perfect–no team is–but they look far better and more balanced than last year’s team that got bounced in the Eastern Conference Final. As the roster works out some kinks, Matt Rempe’s playing time, or lack thereof, has become a bit of a story.
It’s only been three games, but Rempe has been a healthy scratch for two and played just 3:40 in his only appearance against Utah. Rempe’s playing time is by far the least on the team, and his spot on the fourth line has come into question. Adam Edstrom clearly outplayed him in training camp and the preseason, and few can argue that. Jimmy Vesey’s injury was supposed to create an opportunity for Rempe’s playing time to increase, and instead it’s take a nosedive.
Why is Rempe’s playing time decreasing sharply?
Again, it’s only been three games, but it does appear both Rempe and Jonny Brodzinski are in a rotation at 4RW. Edstrom has been solid, to the tune of 62% xG share and 60% HD shot share (per NST). His overall shot share is 41%, meaning he is still playing most of his time in the defensive zone, but his solid defensive zone play–something sorely needed on that line–is limiting the chances to the outside.
Suffice it to say, Edstrom isn’t coming out of the lineup any time soon. Sam Carrick, signed to a three year deal this offseason, is sporting similar numbers to Edstrom while winning 11 of 21 faceoffs (52.4%). It’s only been three games and his career trajectory says this isn’t sustainable, but for now he’s been surprisingly fine.
Brodzinski’s numbers are also on par with Edstrom and Carrick, which is why the fourth line–despite mostly neutral zone and defensive zone starts–has been surprisingly solid to start the year. They just work together, and there’s no reason to really change it up at the moment.
To increase Rempe’s playing time, someone who is having a net-positive impact on the fourth line needs to come out of the lineup. That’s a tough sell.
There’s still a target on his back
As we saw in the Utah game, there’s clearly a target on Rempe’s back. There was one in the playoffs, which impacted Rempe’s playing time, and it’s continuing into this season. It’s unfair to Rempe, as they are simply starting to make up rules to wave off goals or call penalties on him. A liability because of this target, Rempe’s playing time has rightfully been reduced until this bias ends.
There’s no point in reviewing his possession stats with just 3:40 of ice time. He was on the ice for one shot attempt for and one against. Until Carrick or Brodzinski falter, or an injury forces some changes, Rempe’s playing time likely won’t change. Vesey’s return will also impact his role.
The only other option is to shift him to center if Carrick starts to falter. He was a center in Hartford, so it’s not exactly an unprecedented move, but playing center comes with far more defensive responsibilities. Edstrom is listed as a center, so perhaps shifting him over and inserting Rempe back on the wing is another option. This seems unlikely.
Perhaps the best path to increase Rempe’s playing time is to simply send him to the AHL–he’s waivers exempt–to fine tune his game a bit and just keep the legs fresh. The Rangers will eventually need the roster spot when Vesey returns. Depth is a good thing, and if anything, the Rangers get to laugh at teams like the Devils who committed real cap dollars and term to “Rempe deterrents” in the offseason.
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