Jesper Fast, a right wing for the Carolina Hurricanes, has announced his retirement from professional hockey.
“I never took for granted the privilege of playing in the best league in the world,” Fast stated. He expressed gratitude towards his teammates, coaches, staff, and fans from both the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes. Fast also acknowledged his family and credited Nässjö HC and HV71 for their roles in his development.
Fast, 33, played 703 regular-season games over 11 seasons with the Rangers and Hurricanes. He scored 91 goals and made 157 assists (248 points) with a plus-41 rating. The Nassjo, Sweden native participated in 80 Stanley Cup playoff games with a total of 27 points (14 goals, 13 assists) and a plus-5 rating. Drafted by the Rangers in the sixth round of the 2010 NHL Draft, he earned his first NHL point on April 17, 2014.
During his tenure with New York, Fast served as alternate captain from 2017 to 2020 and won the Players’ Player Award five times between 2015 and 2020.
After signing with Carolina as a free agent on October 20, 2020, Fast achieved career highs during the 2021-22 season. That year he was awarded the Steve Chiasson Award for exemplifying determination and dedication.
In the playoffs of that same season, Fast became only the fourth player in franchise history to record multiple overtime winners in one postseason. He scored key goals against both the Islanders and New Jersey Devils.
Fast reached several milestones including earning his 200th career NHL point on April 24, 2022, against the Islanders; appearing in his milestone game on April 9, 2024; but missed all of last season due to a neck injury sustained on April16 ,2024 against Columbus Blue Jackets
