Rangers Daily: Matt Rempe, Adam Edstrom join ‘Great One’ at Jets game; Jack Eichel is Vegas ‘priority’
The New York Rangers were well represented at the season opener for the New York Jets on Sunday. Hulking forwards Matt Rempe and Adam Edstrom not only attended the Week 1 showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium, they were on the field before the game.
Jets social media posted a photo of Rempe and Edstrom, as well as a video of the two Rangers wishing Gang Green good luck. It was funny to hear Edstrom, who’s from Sweden, say “Go Jets!”
With his accent, it sounded like Edstrom said, “Go Yets!”
Rangers of the past was also represented at the Jets opener — “The Great One,” Wayne Gretzky, also was in attendance Sunday. Rempe and Edstrom made sure to catch up with the all-time NHL points leader, who closed out his illustrious career by playing three seasons with the Rangers.
The Rangers contingent were treated to quite a game. Justin Fields had a terrific debut with the Jets, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers. Rodgers threw four touchdown passes in a 34-32 Steelers win, gaining a bit of revenge after two failed seasons with the Jets.
Of course, the Rangers also open up their season against Pittsburgh — the Penguins, that is. The Rangers host their Metropolitan Division rivals on Oct. 7 at Madison Square Garden to begin their centennial season in the NHL.
There’ll be an intriguing plot twist that night — Mike Sullivan will debut as Rangers coach after spending 10 seasons behind the Penguins bench. Unlike Rodgers, though, there won’t be as much animosity, considering Sullivan helped the Penguins win a pair of Stanley Cup championships during his tenure with them.
New York Rangers news and analysis
Speaking of Sullivan, he set the bar high for Adam Fox and expects a bounce-back season to Norris Trophy form for the Rangers’ top defenseman in 2025-26.
Our Tom Castro breaks down why the lack of depth at the center position could be a major problem, beginning this season.
ICYMI this weekend: Check out former Rangers Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba teaming up on the First Pitch at a Los Angeles Angels game, highlighted by Trouba being unable to contain his laughter.
Rookie camp begins this week for the Rangers. But what happens if Gabe Perreault and Co. are not quite ready to play in the NHL to start the season? We examine which Rangers must pick up the slack if that’s the case.
NHL news and rumors
TSN: Though contract extension talks are in the early stages, signing Jack Eichel is a “priority” for the Vegas Golden Knights, general manager Kelly McCrimmon told Pierre LeBrun.
Sportsnet: The Carolina Hurricanes signed New York native Kevin Labanc to a PTO. The 29-year-old forward is coming off shoulder surgery that cut short his season a year ago with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
San Jose Hockey Now: Former Rangers forward and senior advisor Ryan Clowe stepped down as assistant GM of the San Jose Sharks.
Sportsnet: Alex Formenton will resume his professional career playing in Switzerland, though the forward hopes to be reinstated by the NHL sometime in the near future. Formenton was one of five Hockey Canada players found not guilty earlier this summer of sexual assault. Each remains ineligible to play in the NHL.
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