A former New York Rangers assistant-captain and 700-game veteran announced his sudden retirement from the NHL.
After missing the entire 2024-25 NHL season, the New York Rangers' sixth-round pick in 2010, Jesper Fast, announced his retirement from professional hockey.
Fast stepped away from the League after an injury during the Canes' last game of the season forced him to miss last year's playoff run and get neck surgery in August 2024:
'Worst-case scenario. Just when the fun is about to start, you're sitting on the sideline. You just want to help your team and be part of it... It's definitely one of the toughest periods in my career.'
Over a month after the injury, Jesper Fast is still in a neck brace. He said he's still undergoing tests to figure out exactly what happened.
Getting hurt in a largely meaningless regular season finale has understandably been a tough pill to swallow for the veteran forward.… pic.twitter.com/Yb0iUxcntB— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) May 19, 2024
The 33-year-old veteran announced the news in an official statement posted by the Carolina Hurricanes:
'I never took for granted the privilege of playing in the best league in the world. I am grateful for all of the teammates, coaches, staff and fans from the Rangers and Hurricanes who made my time in the NHL so special, and for my family for everything they did to help me achieve and live my dream. I'd also like to thank Nässjö HC and HV71, organizations that played a vital role in my development into an NHL player.'
Jesper Fast has announced his retirement from pro hockey after playing 703 games for Carolina and the N.Y. Rangers. The 33-year-old missed the season after undergoing neck surgery in August.
Fast released this statement through the Hurricanes: pic.twitter.com/2zycTTI6Ws— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 2, 2025
Fast joined the Hurricanes as a free agent in 2020 after 10 years in the Rangers organization. He notably wore the 'A' for four years.
He took part in 703 regular-season games over his career, scoring 248 points, including 91 goals, with a plus-41 plus/minus rating. The Swede also appeared in 80 playoff games, scoring 27 points, including 14 goals.
With the disappointing playoff elimination by the Florida Panthers last week, it's been a few tough news for Hurricanes fans. However, the organization is in a position to hit a few home runs this offseason to enter the next season among the top contenders to win a Stanley Cup.
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