WASHINGTON, D.C. — Just two seasons ago, the Rangers specifically recalled Matt Rempe from Hartford to face Tom Wilson, Dylan McIlrath and the Washington Capitals.

The 6-foot-9 forward had been in and out of the Blueshirts lineup through the first six games of the 2024-25 campaign before he was assigned to the Wolf Pack later in October. When it came time to go up against two of the most notorious agitators in the NHL — one of which the Rangers have plenty of history with — the team turned to Rempe in the aftermath of his face-punching welcome to the league. 

Much has changed since then, for both the Rangers and Rempe. 

Despite the Capitals still possessing the two enforcers, the 24-year-old was slated to be a healthy scratch for a fifth straight game Friday night.