Retired NHL D-man doesn’t mince words about Matt Rempe’s hockey skills. (Image Source: Imagn)

New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe returned to the lineup in Thursday’s Hudson River rivalry matchup against the New Jersey Devils after serving an eight-game suspension for elbowing Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen last month.

Former defenseman Jordan Schmaltz didn’t hold back in his critique of Rempe hockey’s skills, questioning whether he might be the league’s least skilled player.

Schmaltz acknowledged that Rempe can fight and is tough on the ice, but he emphasized that his puck skills and skating are far from perfect.

“I say this with all due respect, which is always followed by something very disrespectful, but is Matt Rempe pound for pound, skill for skill, the worst hockey player in the entire league? Look the kid can chuck em. He’s nails. But my god the puck skills and skating aren’t perfect,” he said.

Instead of skills and playmaking abilities as a forward, Rempe has primarily been known for garnering penalty minutes. Last season, the 23-year-old racked up 71 penalty minutes.

Notably, in his brief 23-game career with the Rangers, Matt Rempe has earned four game misconducts and eight major penalties, which is more than his two career points.

Matt Rempe aims to be more cautious on the ice

Rempe recently opened up about his aggressive style of play and acknowledged the need to change his approach.

He said he planned to be more cautious because he felt like a target on the ice. Rempe acknowledged that another risky hit could result in a significant suspension.

“I’ve got to be a lot smarter, I don’t have to make every hit if that makes sense,” he said. “I gotta still play my game but also, like, it can’t happen again or else it’s going to be a huge suspension.

“I’m a marked man right now. I’ve got to keep it clean,” he added.

With Rempe back in the lineup, the New York Rangers defeated the New Jersey Devils 3-2 in overtime at MSG on Thursday. Sam Carrick scored the winner for his team at 2:48 into the extra period.

Adam Fox accumulated two points and Igor Shesterkin ended the night with 21 saves and a .913 SV%. The Blueshirts improved to 19-20-2 and now sit sixth in the Metro Division after 41 games.

On Saturday, the Blueshirts travel to T-Mobile Arena to face the league toppers the Vegas Golden Knights. The puck drops at 10 p.m. ET.