Jesper Fast injury: Canes provide adverse update on forward's availability for 2024-25 season

The Carolina Hurricanes announced that veteran forward Jesper Fast underwent neck surgery on Aug. 6. The procedure will sideline the 32-year-old Swede for the entirety of the 2024-25 NHL season as he recovers.

Fast suffered the season-ending neck injury during the Hurricanes' final regular-season game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The injury kept him out of Carolina's entire playoff run.

In 73 regular-season games last season, Fast contributed 19 points (six goals, 13 assists) while playing a valuable two-way role. He ranked sixth on the team in hits, with 79, and reached a milestone by playing his 700th career NHL game on April 9 against Boston.

Originally drafted by the New York Rangers in 2010, Fast has spent the last four seasons in Carolina. During his 703-game NHL career between New York and Carolina, he has accumulated 248 points (91 goals, 157 assists).

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Fans react to Jesper Fast injury update

Many fans reacted to the news of Jesper Fast's surgery on social media. Some expressed disappointment, while others were supportive, wishing Fast a full recovery.

One fan wrote:

"Hoping and praying for a full recovery. I hope though the doctors prioritize his long term health and comfort over everything else. Every player deserves not only fair compensation but to have access to doctors who operate with a player’s long term health in mind.."

Another fan questioned the reason for late surgery:

"Why wait so long for surgery and play injured?"

Here are some more fan reactions:

"That’s really too bad for Quickie. I guess that game 82 really meant a lot to Columbus. They played against an AHL lineup and Gudbranson still had to throw out the cheap shot. Hopefully he will get his," one fan wrote on X.

"Well hopefully he can make very fast recovery & is back to playing hockey sometime next year!," another fan wrote.

"That Stinks especially considering he’s going to be a UFA at the end of the year, and we really could’ve used him this season and last year in the playoffs, Get Well Soon Quickie," a user commented.

"Had a feeling things weren't 100%. Wish him well in everyday life. Probably has played his last game as a Cane," another user wrote.

As the Hurricanes prepare for the upcoming season, fans remain hopeful of Jesper Fast's swift return to form.