Jesper Fast is coming back to the Hurricanes – this time as a coach.
The former Carolina winger, who announced his retirement just last month, will join the team’s development staff for the upcoming season.
It’s a tough break that led to this career change. Fast suffered a serious neck injury in Carolina’s final regular season game in 2024, forcing him to miss the playoffs and ultimately ending his playing career at age 33.
“We’re thrilled to keep Jesper in the Hurricanes family,” said Peter Harrold, the team’s director of player development. “His skating ability and hockey IQ were elite, and those are exactly the skills we want to pass on to our young players.”
Fast’s connection with Carolina runs deep. He first joined the Canes in 2020 on a $6 million deal and liked it so much he signed an extension in 2023. Now he’ll start his sixth year with the organization, just in a different role.
His NHL career was pretty impressive for a sixth-round draft pick. After being selected by the Rangers in 2010, Fast went on to score 91 goals and rack up 248 points in 703 games. He was especially known for his penalty-killing skills and lightning-quick skating.
The 6’1″ Swede will work alongside Daniel Bochner and Kevin McCarthy on the development staff, helping shape the next generation of Hurricanes talent.
For Fast, it’s a chance to stay in the game he loves, even if he can’t play anymore. And for young prospects trying to make it to the NHL, they’ll get to learn from someone who knows exactly what it takes to get there.
