Matt Lempe Shares Injury Details After Return to Rangers
Matt Lempe revealed that he fractured his left thumb in multiple places during a scuffle with Ryan Reeves of the Sharks earlier this season, necessitating surgery for repair.
After being sidelined for a significant stretch, Lempe rejoined the Rangers for a game against the Ducks on Monday night. He mentioned the rehab experience was quite the challenge.
Initially, he focused on gym workouts before transitioning to power skating for several weeks—without a stick, of course. Once he was able to hold a stick again, he made strides in his stickhandling and passing and continued to practice regularly.
When asked about whether he knew something was amiss during the October 23 game, the 6-foot-9 forward answered, “no.”
He recounted a moment in the penalty box where he exchanged good wishes with his opponent before glancing at his thumb and realizing something was indeed wrong. “It just got tangled up in his jersey at the wrong angle,” he explained, recalling how he kept throwing jabs, unaware he was likely damaging his thumb.
“But when you’re fighting, you don’t really feel much. I didn’t realize it until afterward,” he added. “It was a pretty big fight, and the adrenaline kind of takes over.” He seemed somewhat resigned to the nature of these things, noting, “that’s just part of it.”
After missing 24 consecutive games, Lempe returned to a fourth-line spot alongside Sam Carrick and Taylor Radish. On his comeback, he logged the least ice time among Rangers forwards at just 9:01, registering one shot, five hits, and one takeaway.
He also participated in the second power-play unit, spending 1:08 on the man advantage.
Lempe, at 23, reassured reporters that he’s not discouraged from fighting again, though he acknowledged it might take some time before he’s back in that role. “Not at all,” he said when asked about his willingness to fight. “I can’t bend it properly yet, so I’ll have to wait a bit. But it’ll be all good in a few weeks. It’s a bummer not being able to do it, but I’ll just focus on playing hockey, and I’ll be alright.”
