Rempe Gets Another Rangers Chance as Trade Speculation Circles

Matt Rempe said he is trying to focus on earning playing time with the New York Rangers, rather than speculation linking him to the Edmonton Oilers. The 6-foot-9 forward said the trade talk was new to him and that he was keeping away from social media chatter.

Rempe played Tuesday against the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden, his third appearance of the season. He had featured in the opener against Boston and on October 13 against Tampa Bay, then sat out for three weeks as coach Mike Sullivan sought changes to a fourth line that had seen little ice time. Against St. Louis, Rempe skated on that line with center Noah Laba and recently recalled Jaroslav Chmelar.

The Edmonton speculation began the previous week, when Sportsnet’s Frank Seravalli said Oilers coach Mike Babcock was believed to admire Rempe and identified the winger as a possible target for a team seeking a bigger player. Rempe said any trade decision was beyond his control and that he was concentrating on improving and making the most of his chances in New York.

Rempe’s playing time has also been affected by injuries. After a fight with Ryan Reaves in October 2025, he underwent two procedures on his thumb, which limited his puck movement and stick-handling during recovery. He said during training camp that he had fully recovered, and fought Tampa Bay’s Jeffrey Viel on October 13.