There Is a Respect Level For Matt Rempe And Other Players Fighting For Nightly Roster Spots

While the New York Rangers’ lineup has stayed relatively the same through the start of the year, there are a couple players that have had to scrap for a roster spot on a nightly basis.

Guys like Matt Rempe, Jonny Brodzinski, Chad Ruhwedel and most recently Zac Jones have all had to experience serving as a healthy scratch.

It’s certainly not easy to watch your team from the press box and still remain positive, which is why there is such a respect level towards these individual players.

“Everyone that’s been coming in and out (of the lineup), it’s not easy,” Mika Zibanejad said. “I think everyone contributes every night, no matter who it is. It’s honestly impressive not to play for a couple of days and then come in. Maybe it’s a little bit easier when we are winning … but credit to those guys, it’s not easy. It takes a lot of focus, a lot of, honestly, dedication to just being ready when called upon.”

Rempe has been a healthy scratch for three out of the five games while Ruhwedel was not in the lineup for the first four games before finally making his season debut on Saturday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Rangers coach Peter Laviolette understands the frustration of coming in and out of the lineup, but also knows that he’ll have to continue to make these tough choices.

“Nobody likes to be out,” Laviolette said. “Everybody can play. We got no trouble running the same lineup back. It’s hard telling guys they’re not in the lineup – they want to play, they’re competitive. But, again, 12 [forwards] and six [defensemen], that’s all I got. I got to make decisions.”

With Ryan Lindgren set to return from an upper-body injury soon, Laviolette will be forced to make his biggest decision yet and it won’t be an easy one.