Report: Rangers' Rempe avoids suspension for hit on Bastian
New York Rangers rookie Matt Rempe won't face further discipline for his hit to the head of New Jersey Devils forward Nathan Bastian, reports The Athletic's Peter Baugh.
Rempe was ejected in the first period of Thursday's clash as a result of the collision. The play was determined to be a five-minute major penalty after review.
#NYR Matt Rempe throws a big hit on Nathan Bastian, but catches him right in the head.
— Jonny Lazarus (@JLazzy23) February 23, 2024
It’s being reviewed for a Major penalty, he should be tossed for this one. pic.twitter.com/Tm0oW8KDV6
"That's just a big man, and everything was down. ... He never lifted his arm," Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette said after the game, per The Athletic's Peter Baugh.
Thursday's game was only the third of Rempe's career. The 6-foot-7 center debuted Sunday at the Stadium Series against the New York Islanders and made headlines for fighting veteran Matt Martin on his first shift.
Rempe was a sixth-round pick of the Rangers in 2020.
Bastian entered the contest with 12 points in 53 games this season. He briefly left after the hit but returned before the end of the opening frame.
The Rangers ultimately won the divisional clash 5-1.