GREENBURGH – The calculation is based on both personnel and math. There are four players competing for the three spots on the Rangers’ fourth line. It is a problem that Peter Laviolette fully acknowledges. “Decisions are going to have to be made. We have extra players,” Laviolette said Friday.

Matt Rempe spent a few days over the summer on the ice with retired enforcer Georges Laraque learning the finer points of fighting.

In order to become a regular in the Rangers’ rotation, Rempe will have to earn that position and show Laviolette that he can play all sides of the puck at a consistent level. Plus, Rempe will see his time in the lineup and that will be his chance to prove himself.

I wonder whether Rempe would have more value to the Blueshirts down the stretch and in the playoffs if he were to start the season in Hartford.

I’m their oldest child,” jokes Rempe, who has been staying with his veteran teammate and his family, including three kids.

It was a busy offseason for New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe, a sudden celebrity of sorts around Manhattan, who captured the hearts of fans for his penchant for fighting and riling up the opponent.

Matt Rempe was fighting and Georges Laraque did not like what he saw. "He was getting hit way too much in the face," Laraque said. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, sports, arts & entertainment,