Rangers’ Matt Rempe is a changed man after suspension: ‘Thinking through it more’

Matt Rempe has become the hockey equivalent of the individual who counts to 10 before he acts. 

Since returning Jan. 9 from the eight-game suspension that may well mark the crossroads of his very young career, the Blueshirts’ unique fourth-line weapon has been in complete command of his actions, avoiding undisciplined, reckless plays while carving out a regular spot in the lineup. 

“I think that when I’m tracking on the forecheck, I can see where I have the other guy lined up real good and then I can throw my weight and get in a real nice check but I can see it now when there’s a little risk involved, I’m thinking through it more and thinking through the game more,” No. 73 told The Post following Monday’s practice. 

“If I feel it’s a little bit of a risk, I’m thinking, ‘Do I have him or not?’ because I can’t have any more of those kinds of penalties. But I know I can still be really physical and effective by picking my spots and making sure the checks are good.” 

In nine games since his return, playing on the right side of an effective fourth line with Adam Edstrom on the left and Sam Carrick in the middle, there have been no extended elbows. Rempe has picked up three roughing minors and a fighting major. 

Equally to the point, the 22-year-old has chipped in with a goal and an assist, using his silky mitts to go up top on a backhand short side to finish a breakaway against Ottawa on Jan. 21 while setting up Carrick with a gorgeous backhand feed after coming out with the puck behind the net on Sunday against Colorado.