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Jesper Fast News
Fast has undergone neck surgery and is not expected to play in the 2024-25 season.

Carolina was hit with some unfortunate off-season news after forward Jesper Fast was announced out for the entire 2024-25 season after undergoing neck surgery last week. The 32-year-old right-winger was entering his fifth season in Carolina and had six goals and 19 points in 73 games played while occupying Carolina's bottom six in 2023-24.

Jesper Fast
Fast (upper body) did not practice and is doubtful for Game 1 on Saturday.

Fast was limited to only 6:53 time-on-ice before exiting the Hurricanes' season finale on Tuesday, a 6-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, due to an upper-body injury. The 32-year-old Fast scored 19 points (6G / 13A) in 73 games this season.

Jesper Fast
Fast (upper body) will return after a six-game absence on Thursday vs. Boston.

Fast has missed the Hurricanes' previous six games due to an upper-body injury but will suit up on Thursday vs. Boston as he takes Jesperi Kotkaniemi's place in the lineup. The 32-year-old has six goals, 18 points, 14 PIMs and a +3 plus/minus in 66 games played before his injury.

Jesper Fast
Fast (upper body) is probable to return on Saturday vs. Montreal.

Fast has missed the Hurricanes' previous five games due to injury but is "probable" to suit up on Saturday vs. Montreal according to head coach Rod Brind'Amour. The 32-year-old has been enjoying a solid season in his usual bottom-six role with six goals, 18 points, 70 SOG and 14 PIMs in 66 GP and 12:46 TOI per game.

Jesper Fast
Fast (upper body) practiced in full Wednesday and is probable to return Thursday vs. Anaheim.

Fast has missed the last three games due to an upper-body injury but appears set to return on Thursday against the Anaheim Ducks. Fast has 11 points (4G / 7A) in 37 games this season while playing predominantly on a line with Jordan Staal and Jordan Martinook.

Jesper Fast
Fast (undisclosed) will not play in Game 2 on Monday.

Fast was hurt on his first shift of the series while absorbing a hit from Hurricanes defenseman and former teammate Brady Skjei. Fast never returned to Game 1 and will not be available for Game 2. Look for Steven Fogarty to take his place in the lineup but for Kaapo Kakko to move up into the top-6 with Artemi Panarin and Ryan Strome.

Jesper Fast