Rangers Lineup Hints at Final Roster Spots for Rempe and Smits
Coach Mike Sullivan indicated the preseason finale lineup was close to the opening night configuration, suggesting forward Matt Rempe and defenseman Alberts Smits are likely to make the cut.
The New York Rangers' lineup for their preseason finale on Friday provided a strong indication of the team's opening night roster, with forward Matt Rempe and defenseman Alberts Smits appearing to have secured the final two spots. Head coach Mike Sullivan described the lineup as “the closest thing to a full lineup that we’ve had of any of the exhibition games to this point.”
The final roster decisions are pending the team's official cuts, which must be made by Monday. However, the morning skate before the game against the Islanders offered telling insights. Rempe skated with the expected fourth line, while Smits, a rookie, was paired with Braden Schneider, a pairing he has maintained throughout preseason.
Players identified as likely scratches after the skate included defensemen Matthew Robertson and Scott Morrow, and forwards Taylor Raddysh and Jaroslav Chmelar. Both Robertson and Morrow would need to clear waivers to be assigned to the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, while Smits, who is waiver-exempt, has made a compelling case for an NHL spot.
Sullivan commented on Smits, the team's No. 5 overall pick in June's draft, stating that the defenseman has "certainly made a compelling argument through his play that he’s capable of playing in the NHL." The coach highlighted Smits' physicality and passing ability, noting that the team wants to ensure he can be an impactful player on the roster, drawing a parallel to the team's decision with Gabe Perreault the previous year.
Forward Matt Rempe, who is 6-foot-9, was alongside Tye Kartye and Joe Veleno on the fourth line. Rempe has been working to establish his presence after a season limited by two thumb surgeries. He demonstrated his physicality in the preseason game against the Devils on Thursday, recording eight hits. Sullivan emphasized that Rempe offers more than just fighting ability, suggesting his value extends to creating anxiety for opponents and having an unnerving presence on the ice.
Other players assigned to the Wolf Pack include Nathan Aspinall, Liam Greentree, Drew Fortescue, Cole Beaudoin, Jackson Dorrington, and Carey Terrance. Chmelar can be assigned to the AHL without the risk of being claimed by another team, unlike Rempe, who would need to clear waivers.