The latest New York Rangers injury update is no bueno for the Blueshirts. In particular, the news isn’t good for one bottom-six forward who has made an impact on the ice.
The NY Post reported on Friday that forward Matt Rempe will undergo a procedure to remedy an issue plaguing the thumb on his left hand. Fans may recall Rempe had a heavyweight tilt with San Jose Sharks pugilist Ryan Reaves back on October 23.
The bout left Rempe with an injured hand and a series of complications. The situation required surgery to repair. However, it seems that initial procedures did not correct the original issues. As such, another procedure was necessary.
There is no timeline for Rempe’s return. Given the timing of the procedure and the number of games left on the schedule, Rempe could well be out for the remainder of the season. This Rangers injury update is certainly discouraging for the club. Despite the team officially punting on the season, it just adds to the mountain of bad news plaguing the club.
If Rempe does miss the remainder of the season, the expectation will be for the 23-year-old to return to the ice next training camp. The former sixth-round pick from the 2020 NHL Draft has one goal in 26 games this season.
Another Rangers injury update may be forthcoming following the Olympic break. Team USA and Team Canada will square off in the gold-medal game on Sunday, with J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck looking to skate away as Olympic champions for the United States.
Initial Rangers Injury Update Revealed Extent of Rempe’s Ailments
The extent of Rempe’s original injury was severe enough to keep him off the ice for nearly two months. The initial Rangers injury update revealed the team’s resident pugilist had shattered his thumb.
However, as Rempe described it, the rush of adrenaline did not allow him to recognize just how bad the multiple fractures had been. The 6’9” forward missed November and most of December while recovering from the first procedures to heal his thumb.
Rempe, unfortunately, wasn’t fully healthy. As he revealed, the injury prevented him from properly holding his stick and playing the puck well. That situation could be the reason for his largely ineffective play this season.
Rempe Could Have Had Surgery Sooner
One question not addressed in this latest Rangers injury update is why Rempe didn’t have the surgery sooner. Had the forward undergone the procedure sooner, his return for this season might still be possible.
Instead, waiting until the end of the Olympic break to get the surgery likely prompts the organization to shut him down for the season. The precise nature of the procedure is unclear. But it doesn’t sound like the Rangers will have any truly compelling reason to rush Rempe back to the ice.
That’s why the next Rangers injury update will be crucial in determining Rempe’s future. Considering this unfortunate injury, Rempe may have no real choice but to reinvent his game if he is to have an NHL future.
Rangers Injury Update: Rempe Could Be Out for Season