Carolina Hurricanes forward Jesper Fast is likely to miss the rest of the NHL playoffs due to a neck injury sustained in the team’s final regular season game, as reported by Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News.
Ryan Henkel’s got the scoop over at The Hockey News. It’s not looking good for Jesper Fast, the Carolina Hurricanes forward. Seems like he might be out for the rest of the NHL playoffs. Why? A neck injury.
The word comes straight from the Hurricanes’ head coach, Rod Brind’Amour. He had a chat with Tripp Tracy from Bally Sports South. Apparently, Fast re-injured his neck during the last game of the regular season against the Columbus Blue Jackets. And it’s serious. They’re saying he’s unlikely to make a comeback this season.
Hurricanes’ GM, Don Waddell, had previously mentioned Fast’s injury. Called it a neck strain. But things took a turn for the worse after Fast got crosschecked into the boards by Erik Gudbranson, a defenseman for the Blue Jackets.
Fast has been with Carolina for four seasons now. He joined them as a free agent back in October 2020. But here’s the kicker: he’s missed the first two playoff games already. And he won’t be hitting the ice tonight either.
This year? Not his best. The 32-year-old managed six goals and 13 assists across 73 games. That’s his lowest offensive output since he entered the league in 2014-15 with the New York Rangers. Despite the dip, he’s been crucial for Carolina’s shutdown line, alongside Jordan Martinook and Jordan Staal.
Brind’Amour seemed pretty down when he talked before the game. But, and here’s where there’s a glimmer of hope, they haven’t completely ruled Fast out for the season. Word on the street, courtesy of Cory Lavalette from North State Journal, is they’ll give him another look a month from now. Let’s see, huh?
