he big man wearing red in December always is a popular figure in folklore at this time of year, and the Rangers had their own version to be excited about Tuesday in practice.
Fan-favorite forward Matt Rempe returned to practice wearing a non-contact jersey for the first time since suffering what is believed to be a thumb injury in a fight against Sharks enforcer Ryan Reaves on Oct. 23.
The 6-foot-9 winger was set to accompany the Rangers on their road trip for Wednesday’s game at Chicago, and he could be cleared to practice with the team in the coming days.
“He’s skated a fair amount on his own with our skills coaches, and the next step is to get him on with the group in the team setting in a non-contact jersey. That’s what he was today, he participated like that,” Rangers coach Mike Sullivan said after practice in Tarrytown.
Matt Rempe ie believed to have injured his thumb in this fight with Ryan Reaves on Oct. 23, 2025. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
“And then obviously the final step is to get him into game role scenarios.”
The 23-year-old Rempe had one goal and 7 penalty minutes in his first nine appearances this season, averaging 9:48 of ice time per game. He had gained cult-hero status while dressing for 59 games for the Blueshirts over the previous two seasons, accumulating 138 minutes in penalties.
Sullivan believes captain J.T. Miller’s recent play — 3-6-9 in his past nine games — has been “among his best all year long.” He said the veteran winger has been “in beast mode” lately in terms of possessing the puck more and using his size and physical stature to protect the puck.
“He’s hard to handle and he’s a handful for anyone because of how big and strong he is, and we’re seeing more and more of that,” Sullivan said.
Winger Adam Edstrom also remains sidelined for the Rangers after missing the past four games with a lower-body injury.
Asked if Edstrom will be placed on IR, Sullivan replied, “That’s a good question, I don’t know the answer to that. I think right now, he’s on a return-to-play protocol, which will involve both on-ice and off-ice [work], at this point.”