And Rempe acknowledged another violation could lead to a “huge suspension,” forcing him to confront the daunting challenge of embracing his physicality — the strength that helped him carve out a marginal role in the first place and become a fan favorite after debuting last February — while preventing it from becoming reckless.

The New York Rangers recalled their six-foot-eight yard-dog forward Matt Rempe on Tuesday from the AHL Hartford Wolfpack after having served an eight-game suspension. He is officially eligible to return against the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.

New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe returned to practice this week after serving an eight-game suspension for an illegal hit on Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen on Dec. 20.