Exclusive | Adam Edstrom and Matt Rempe’s imposing Rangers influence

When we talk about impactful players for a team, it’s not always about the stars who light up the scoreboard or the goaltenders who keep pucks out of the net. Sometimes, it’s about those unheralded players, the ones who make their mark in more subtle ways. For the New York Rangers, Adam Edstrom and Matt Rempe are two such players who are quietly but steadily becoming integral to the team’s identity, despite not always getting the spotlight.

Both Edstrom and Rempe have carved out roles for themselves within the Rangers organization, contributing in significant ways that could have long-term implications for the team’s success. While the duo may not be the flashy forwards or the goal-scoring wingers, they provide something just as valuable: an imposing physical presence and a relentless work ethic that has begun to impact the Rangers in subtle yet profound ways.

In this exclusive breakdown, we’ll take a closer look at Adam Edstrom and Matt Rempe, their paths to the Rangers, and how they’ve helped shape the team’s culture. We’ll also explore how their roles could evolve as they continue to develop in the NHL.

Adam Edstrom: A Big Body with Big Potential

For Adam Edstrom, the journey to the Rangers’ lineup has been a product of both hard work and persistence. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing in at 212 pounds, Edstrom is the type of player that makes his presence felt on the ice. His physicality and strong skating make him a challenging opponent to deal with for opposing defenders. However, it’s not just his size that makes Edstrom stand out—it’s his work ethic, ability to read the game, and the consistent effort he brings to every shift.

Edstrom’s path to the NHL began with a few years spent playing in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), where he showcased his unique blend of size and skill. His time in the SHL allowed him to hone his game, learning the finer points of puck control, defensive responsibility, and overall awareness. It was clear that Edstrom possessed an intriguing skill set, but it was his work ethic and tenacity that earned him the attention of NHL scouts.

The Rangers took notice of Edstrom’s potential, and in 2023, they signed him to a contract, giving him the chance to prove himself on the NHL stage. Since joining the organization, Edstrom has been a valuable contributor in several key areas, with his physical presence and ability to wear down opposing defenses standing out most.

Though Edstrom has not been an immediate fixture in the Rangers’ top-six forward group, he’s quickly developed a reputation for being a difficult player to handle. His speed and strength allow him to engage in physical battles along the boards and in front of the net, where he can wreak havoc and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Edstrom’s role has often been to provide depth, especially when it comes to defensive play and grinding out shifts in the offensive zone. The Rangers, known for their talented forwards, have often been accused of lacking enough physicality and net-front presence. Edstrom’s ability to provide that physical element has made him a welcome addition to the roster. He doesn’t shy away from the dirty work, whether it’s delivering a key hit to free up the puck or getting into the crease to screen opposing goalies. These intangible contributions might not show up on the score sheet, but they’re crucial to the team’s success.

Matt Rempe: A Physical Presence with a Growing Reputation

Like Edstrom, Matt Rempe is another player whose physical presence makes a noticeable difference. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 224 pounds, Rempe is a towering figure on the ice who uses his size and strength to impose his will on opponents. Yet, much like Edstrom, he also brings a level of skill and hockey sense that sets him apart from simply being a physical player. Rempe’s game is still evolving, but his ability to add a dimension of toughness and power makes him an exciting prospect for the Rangers.

Before coming to the Rangers, Rempe played several years in the WHL (Western Hockey League) with the Seattle Thunderbirds, where he built his reputation as a force to be reckoned with. In addition to his physical game, he also demonstrated a growing offensive game, contributing both goals and assists while continuing to develop his hockey IQ. His size and power were always his calling card, but his offensive upside began to shine through as he matured as a player.

Rempe’s journey into the NHL ranks is a reflection of his perseverance and determination to make an impact at the highest level. After being drafted by the Rangers in the 5th round of the 2020 NHL Draft, Rempe worked tirelessly to refine his skills and prepare for the next step in his career. His development took a step forward when he earned a spot with the Rangers in their training camp, showcasing both his physicality and his improved playmaking ability.

Since joining the Rangers, Rempe has primarily served as a role player, focusing on bringing energy to the fourth line. His ability to use his size to dominate in the corners and along the boards makes him a valuable asset in the Rangers’ depth scoring role. As with Edstrom, Rempe’s contributions go beyond the stat sheet, as he excels in wearing down opposing defenders and creating space for his teammates.

Much of Rempe’s influence comes from his tenacious style of play. He’s the type of player that makes the opposition nervous whenever he’s on the ice, and his willingness to engage physically sets the tone for the rest of the team. If the Rangers are in need of a spark or a momentum shift, Rempe’s physicality has often been the catalyst to generate energy for the team. Whether it’s a crushing hit along the boards or driving the net for a hard-fought rebound, Rempe brings a brand of hockey that’s often missing from teams built around speed and finesse.

Though he’s still refining his overall game, Rempe’s ability to provide grit and energy will continue to make him an important piece for the Rangers in the future. As he gains more experience at the NHL level, there’s a lot of potential for him to evolve into a player that contributes in multiple areas, both offensively and defensively.

Complementing the Rangers’ Star Power

What makes Edstrom and Rempe particularly valuable to the Rangers is their ability to complement the team’s superstar talent. Players like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Chris Kreider are the ones who typically grab the headlines and put up the points. But for the Rangers to succeed in a grueling season and compete in the playoffs, they need more than just star power—they need role players who can provide depth, physicality, and a relentless work ethic.

Both Edstrom and Rempe fill this need. Their physicality provides an edge that the Rangers need against some of the tougher, more physical teams in the league. While the Rangers have plenty of skill, adding that layer of grit allows them to play a more complete and well-rounded game. When the going gets tough, players like Edstrom and Rempe give the Rangers the muscle to compete with the league’s heavyweights.

It’s also worth noting that Edstrom and Rempe offer the Rangers the ability to roll four lines with confidence. In a season where injuries and fatigue are inevitable, having depth in your forward lines becomes critical. Both players give head coach Gerard Gallant options to rotate in fresh legs while maintaining a high level of physicality and defensive responsibility.

What’s Next for Edstrom and Rempe?

For both Edstrom and Rempe, the future appears promising, but they still have work to do in order to solidify their roles within the Rangers’ lineup. Each player is still developing his game, and as their understanding of the NHL improves, they will likely see more ice time and responsibility. The more they prove that they can contribute to both the physical and mental aspects of the game, the more trust they will earn from Gallant.

One of the next steps for both players will be to become more involved in the offensive side of the game. While both have shown flashes of skill, particularly in creating space for teammates or providing net-front presence, they’ll need to consistently produce to elevate their status from depth players to true game-changers.

In terms of Edstrom, continuing to develop his two-way game will be important. As a big body who plays physical, he’ll need to work on improving his transition play and ability to contribute offensively without abandoning his responsibilities in the defensive zone. He’s shown that he has the capability to be an all-around player, but refining his game will be key to his long-term success.

For Rempe, improving his offensive game will also be essential. While he’s known for his physicality, he can’t solely rely on that aspect of his game as he progresses through his NHL career. By continuing to work on his passing, playmaking, and finishing ability, Rempe can become a more complete player who can contribute on both sides of the puck.