Rangers’ Matt Rempe Reveals Truth About Turning Down Tom Wilson's Fight

New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe, who is about to enter his second season in the NHL and first one on the Rangers roster from the start of the campaign, has reflected on his on-ice affairs, particularly touching on his (non) encounter with Washington Capitals’ enforcer Tom Wilson .

Rempe attended the NHLPA rookie showcase on September 4 and talked to reporters, as shared by ESPN's Greg Whysinski, touching on many things including turning down Wilson's requests for a fight in the playoffs.

During their 2024 first-round playoff series, Wilson challenged Rempe to a fight, but the 6-foot-9 forward opted to decline. Rempe explained his reasons for declining the offer, alleging game-managing reasons related to the status of the series.

“In that scenario, we’re up 2–0 in the series and we’re up in that game, in Washington’s barn," Rempe said. "There’s no benefit for me taking that fight. I think that’s just trying to grow and be smarter.”

Rempe's decision surprised a lot of fans of the young enforcer, who entered the postseason with 71 penalty minutes in just 17 regular-season games as a rookie.

An overnight sensation in the NHL and a fan-favorite of the Madison Square Garden faithful, Rempe revealed on NHLPA camp that he will try to improve his skill set across the board, not just his fighting chops, in 2024-25.

"It seems like a dream," Rempe said. "(Rangers' fans are) the best fans in the world. You want to go to battle for them every single time. It's a surreal experience. You feel like you're almost floating.

"The fighting is a very small part. I highly prioritize the skills, the skating, and everything. I've got to become a better player," Rempe said.

Although some have criticized Rempe for fighting too often, he stands by his decisions and said so when asked about how he felt about the perception that he's just looking to get into fights on the ice.

“No, not at all," Rempe said. "You’ve got to think that I’m 21 years old in the NHL, and I have legends like Matt Martin and Nicolas Deslauriers who want to fight. I’m in no position to say ‘no’ there."

Heading into his second season, Rempe’s goal is to earn a regular spot in the Rangers’ bottom six forward corps. According to Daily Faceoff's projected lineups , Rempe will enter the season as the right winger on the fourth line.

Related: Rangers’ Matt Rempe Aiming to Improve More Than Fighting Skills