The New York Rangers recalled hard-hitting defenseman Matt Lempe to the main roster on Friday, only to find out three days later that he had been suspended for eight games.
During New York's 3-1 win Friday night, Lempe elbowed Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen. He was called for game misconduct on that play.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
New York Rangers center Matt Lempe is escorted to the penalty box by official Tommy Hughes before being ejected for game misconduct during the third period of a game against the Stars in Dallas on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. . (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The NHL's Office of Player Safety announced that the player was suspended for eight games for the play. He was also fined $80,000. The league announced Rempe is considered a repeat offender. He played in just 22 regular season games in his career and was ejected four times.
Lempe spent most of the season playing in the American Hockey League for the Hartford Wolf Pack, an affiliate of the Rangers. He started the season in New York, but did not last long with the team. He was briefly recalled in November, but demoted again.
NHL could hold outdoor games in unlikely locations next season: Report
New York Rangers center Matt Lempe, who was ejected for game misconduct, slams Stars' Miro Heiskanen into the boards during the third period, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Friday night's win marked Rempe's first game against the Rangers since Nov. 25. He had three goals, two assists and 22 penalty minutes in 18 games with Hartford.
His hard-nosed style of play made him extremely popular with Rangers fans late last season and into the postseason. He was ejected twice and was suspended for four games in March for elbowing New Jersey Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler in the head.
The 2020 sixth-round pick has no points and 24 penalty minutes in five games for New York.
On Friday, December 20, 2024, New York Rangers center Matt Lempe was ejected for game misconduct and left the game in the third period of a game against the Stars in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Rangers lost 3-1 to the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. This season's team record is 16 wins, 16 losses, and 1 draw.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcast and subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
