San Jose Sharks forward Ryan Reaves fought New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe on Oct. 23 in an epic battle at center ice.
Reaves would win the heavyweight bout, and although he came away with a mark on his face, the Sharks winger was able to continue. The same can’t be said for Rempe. Following the fight, Rempe would leave the game and not return.
Rempe suffered an upper-body injury, according to Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan, and will be out long-term. Per The Athletic’s Vince Mercogliano, Rempe will be out for weeks, potentially months.
The Sharks would go on to win that game 6-5 in overtime for their first victory of the 2025-26 season.
It is never the intention of any player to injure their opponent significantly, and the same goes for the San Jose Sharks forward.
“I mean, just play him like anybody else,” Reaves exclusively told SHD before the Rangers game. “I think you’ve got to be aware when [their fourth line is] on the ice. Think that’s the biggest thing, but you just have to match the physicality.”
Reaves was all smiles following the Sharks’ win. He joked he couldn’t give away his fighting secrets.
“I can’t tell you all my tricks, otherwise everyone is going to know. He’s a big boy, so guys like that you have to fight a little bit differently. I’ve seen him fight, so I know what he’s good at, his weaknesses,” Reaves said.
Rempe’s injury isn’t known, but rumors are swirling after his sister commented on a TikTok saying he broke his thumb.
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