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 Devils face the Rangers for the third time this season on Thursday night, and Matt Rempe could return to the lineup.

Returning to practice on Wednesday afternoon following an eight-game suspension, Rangers enforcer Matt Rempe admitted that he must play smarter moving forward.