NHL Injury Update: New York Rangers place forward Matt Rempe on injured reserve after thumb procedure
Times of India
by GLOBAL SPORTS DESKFebruary 21, 2026
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The New York Rangers have placed forward Matt Rempe on injured reserve following a thumb procedure, which is expected to keep him sidelined for several weeks. This development comes as the team returns from the Olympic break and prepares for their game against the Philadelphia Flyers on February 26. Rempe sustained the injury during a fight with Ryan Reaves of the San Jose Sharks earlier in the season, leading to multiple fractures in his thumb that required surgery. Despite his return in mid-December, Rempe has been inconsistent due to recurring issues, forcing him to miss 24 games and the entire month of November.
Rempe, who made his NHL debut in the 2023-24 season, has recorded one goal in 26 games this season and five goals with 11 points over his career. His ice time averages around 7:58 per game, contributing to limited offensive impact but notable physicality on the ice. The Rangers’ performance has been lackluster this season, sitting at 22-29-6 with 50 points and last place in the Eastern Conference heading into the matchup against the Flyers.
The injury highlights the challenges Rempe has faced since joining the team, particularly his struggles with thumb injuries that have disrupted his gameplay. His quotes on Twitter/X emphasize how significant even minor thumb issues can be for a player’s performance, affecting stick handling and puck control during battles. Despite being placed on injured reserve, Rempe’s contract with the Rangers remains intact, as he signed a two-year deal worth $1.95 million ($975,000 annually) in 2023.
While the Rangers have not ruled out Rempe for the remainder of the season, his absence underscores the team’s thin depth at forward and raises questions about their ability to compete effectively during a critical stretch of the schedule. With the Flyers offering strong competition, the Rangers will need to rely on other players to step up in Rempe’s stead if they hope to improve their standings and playoff chances.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/21/2026