Carolina Hurricanes veteran forward Jesper Fast is facing an uphill battle as he recovers from neck surgery, with his 2024-25 season hanging in the balance. The team announced the news of Fast’s surgery on August 6, leaving fans and teammates concerned about his future on the ice.
The 32-year-old winger sustained the injury during the final game of the regular season last year against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Unfortunately, this meant that Fast was unable to participate in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where the Hurricanes were ultimately eliminated by the New York Rangers in six games.
Despite the setback, Fast managed to put up respectable numbers during the 2023-24 season, notching six goals and 13 assists in 73 games. This marked his fourth season with the Hurricanes and 11th in the NHL overall, showcasing his experience and skill on the ice.
Hailing from Sweden, Fast has had a solid career thus far, totaling 91 goals and 157 assists in 703 games split between the Hurricanes and Rangers. His playoff performance has been equally impressive, with 14 goals and 13 assists in 80 postseason appearances.
Originally drafted by the Rangers in the sixth round of the 2010 NHL Draft, Fast has proven himself to be a valuable asset to whichever team he suits up for. Currently in the final year of a two-year, $4.8 million contract, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the resilient forward.
As the Hurricanes gear up for the upcoming season, they will be without Fast’s presence on the ice. The team will kick off their preseason campaign against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sept. 24, followed by their regular season opener on Oct. 4, also against the Lightning.
In the meantime, Fast will be focusing on his recovery and rehabilitation, with the hopes of returning to full health and potentially rejoining his teammates later in the season. Stay tuned for updates on Fast’s progress and the impact his absence will have on the Hurricanes’ lineup.
