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.

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.

Matt Rempe’s eight-game suspension is officially over. For the first time since delivering a devastating hit on Miro Heiskanen, Rempe addressed the media. The 22-year-old did not defend himself as he immediately claimed that his hit on Heiskanen was unacceptable and took full responsibility.

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.

New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe is no stranger to controversial hits. The young Blueshirts winger has developed a reputation as one of the league’s more bruising forwards. However, he has also cultivated a reputation as a dangerous player.

The 6-9 forward finished serving his eight-game suspension and is eligible to return Thursday against the Devils.

Matt Rempe appears to have taken his most recent suspension to heart. Speaking to reporters Wednesday following his eight-game ban for elbowing Dallas