Matt Rempe can learn from Arber Xhekaj's growth

The Montreal Canadiens' feel-good story of Arber Xhekaj was sparked by his balanced but physical style of play.

At times Xhekaj would go out of his way to throw unnecessary hits that would earn him excessive penalty minutes. He caught on that simply making wiser decisions gave him the crucial time to develop his game. Ever since Xhekaj started focusing on playing a solid two way game, his confidence has grown.

For a guy like Rempe, he certainly didn't make it to the NHL just because he can chuck the knuckles well. At this point, it is a bit of a joke for the New York Rangers to waste a roster spot on Rempe though. I understand he is a tough guy, but a balance is necessary to remain in the league that goes beyond just throwing hits and fighting.

Rempe's recent hit earned him an eight-game suspension, and as far as I'm concerned he has played himself out of the league. I think he may have a future in the league, but if he isn't going to do the little things it seems pointless. Xhekaj isn't any less intimidating, he picks his spots better; fighting occurs less frequently and he hits with a purpose.

It is sad to see Rempe waste his time away in the NHL, deciding that playing the actual game has little importance. Doing the things that he continues doing are a mockery of the sport, and take away from what hitting serves in hockey. It isn't meant to injure players, but to slow the opposition and create battles.

The sooner Rempe learns that he is throwing his career away the better for him. Hopefully he will emerge from this long suspension and having to forfeit the wages, with a new outlook. When you use hitting in the right scenario and for the right reasons, it serves it's purpose.

Creating a balance is crucial

You saw in the recent trade, or at least I did, many calling Justin Barron a soft player, which was much of the reason why he was traded. Many questioned his physicality and toughness, and the change with Alexandre Carrier in his place reflects that. Barron is a case of a player who has the physical traits to overpower opponents, but he chooses not to.

Carrier, while about three inches shorter and nearly 20 lbs lighter plays the game with a more physically imposing approach. He engages with bigger players, and often bounces them out of his way or wins puck battles. There is an edge that he plays with that Barron needs to add to his game to become a steady NHL defenseman.

I think that hitting and fighting serve a purpose in the game in the right context. When there is a fine balance met, the player often succeeds and makes the team better. Having a guy who is physically imposing and can produce is massive during the playoffs.

Matthew Tkachuk does it in Florida, Zdeno Chara is famous for it and even a guy like Arber Xhekaj does it. Using physicality to gain an upper hand and disrupt the opposition is brilliant. Doing it to draw penalties and even frustrate the opponent is massive during a seven-game series.