Hurricanes Veteran Forward Out vs. Rangers

While speaking with reporters, Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour announced that forward Jesper Fast will not be available for the club's contest against the New York Rangers on Jan. 2.

Brind'Amour also said that Fast traveled back to Raleigh with the club, but it is still undetermined how much time he is going to miss. 

Fast took a hit from Toronto Maple Leafs forward Noah Gregor on Dec. 30 and left the game afterward. Fast noticeably was wobbly after his head hit the boards following Gregor's hit, so it is not too surprising to hear that he will be out for the club's contest against the Rangers.

This is certainly tough news, as Fast is a key part of the Canes' bottom six. He provides them with plenty of energy and is known for his effective penalty-killing ability. As a result, it is less than ideal that he will not be in action for them against his former team in the Rangers.

Fast is having a decent 2023-24 campaign, as he has 11 points in 37 games. However, his value primarily has come from his defensive play, so the Canes will need to adjust without him in their lineup against at least the Blueshirts from here.

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