New York Rangers' to Dress Matt Rempe Vs. Toronto Maple Leafs: Will He Face Ryan Reaves?

Matt Rempe has made a name for himself in the last little bit as a towering, no-nonsense enforcer willing to throw down with anyone and everyone, bringing an old-school feel to the modern game that hasn't been around in over two decades. He offers the Rangers a huge lifeline against the opposition because if they target the Rangers superstars, Rempe has their back.

So with the New York Rangers squaring off with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night, Rempe gets the call as he will no doubt look to intimidate and rough around the Maple Leafs speedy Core Four, though he may have to contend with another heavy hitter if he wants to do so:

With Rempe in the lineup, look for Toronto to equalize with Ryan Reaves, their own rough and tumble defender. Although he's outweighed and outsized by Rempe, Reaves is never one to back down from a fight, and will give Toronto's superstars a literal fighting chance against one of the league's toughest players. The last time these two teams squared off, both men took to throwing haymakers and uppercuts before it ended in a stalemate.

Neither men are known for their scoring ability, and Reaves certainly has a few more years on Rempe although given Rempe's tenacity and 6'9, 255-pound frame it could be short work for him if he lands a clean shot. Rempe was a 6th-round draft pick of the Rangers in 2020 and found his way onto the club last season; debuting in the 2024 NHL Stadium Series and being the first player ever to make their debut during the event. He does have one goal and one assist in his career, and will no doubt find himself with some Gordie Howe hat-tricks in his career.

The New York Rangers square off against the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight, Saturday, Oct. 19. The game is scheduled to start at 7 PM ET.