Rempe suspended 8 games for hit on Heiskanen

New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe was suspended eight games for boarding and elbowing Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen during Friday's game, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced.

"This hit is a violation of both the boarding and the elbowing rules," player safety said in its explanation. "It is important to note that for an extended period of time and during the entire lead-up to this hit, Rempe sees nothing but Heiskanen's back. Rempe is in complete control of how this play develops, and it is Rempe's responsibility, in this situation, to avoid the contact, change the angle such that he does not hit a defenseless player directly from behind, or at very least, minimize the force of an imminent collision."

This marks the second suspension of Rempe's 22-game NHL career, which began last season. He was handed a four-game ban in 2023-24 for an elbow to the head of New Jersey Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler.

Rempe's hit on Heiskanen also marked the fourth ejection of his career. His role as a repeat offender factored into the length of the suspension.

The 22-year-old is eligible to return Jan. 11 against the Vegas Golden Knights. Rempe's only played five games with the Rangers this season and 18 with the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack.