Photo credit: The Hockey News
Carolina Hurricanes forward Jesper Fast is likely out for the entire 2024-25 season due to a neck injury sustained during the last game of the regular season.
In that game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Fast was crosschecked by defenseman Erik Gudbranson, forcing him to leave the ice.
Fast was hoping to help the Hurricanes in another Stanley Cup run, but the injury ended his season early. He missed the team's playoff series against both New York teams before they were eliminated in the second round. Head coach Rod Brind'Amour shared the unfortunate news at the time.
"He got checked out again, and whatever the findings were, it doesn't look like he's going to be back. That's about all I can tell you. Not good news for us or him."
The worst was confirmed when Hurricanes GM Erik Tulsky announced that Fast underwent neck surgery on August 6th and is not expected to play during the 2024-25 season.
Fast, 32, scored 6 goals and 13 assists in 73 games last season and has 248 total points in 703 career games. As he recovers, there are concerns about his ability to return to form in the 2025-26 season, but the hope is that his recovery goes smoothly and he can return to the ice.
Also read on PuckReporter :
Max Pacioretty finalizing deal to join powerhouse Canadian team
Max Pacioretty finalizing deal to join powerhouse Canadian team