Jesper Fast has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey after an impressive career spanning 11 seasons and 703 games in the NHL. The news was made public through a statement released by the Carolina Hurricanes, where Fast reflected on his gratitude for the journey.
“I never took for granted the privilege of playing in the best league in the world,” he expressed in his statement. Fast thanked his teammates, coaches, staff, and fans from both the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers, highlighting their significant impact on his career. He also acknowledged the vital role of his early teams, Nässjö HC and HV71, in his development as an NHL player.
Throughout his career, Fast, originally from Nässjö, Sweden, recorded a total of 91 goals and 248 points. He participated in 80 playoff games, playing a key role in the New York Rangers’ run to the Eastern Conference Final in 2015. His most notable playoff performance came in 2023 with the Hurricanes, where he scored six goals, two of which were critical overtime winners.
The 33-year-old forward had a challenging latter stage of his career, which included playing 73 games in the 2023-24 season before missing the entire 2024-25 campaign due to a neck injury sustained in the regular-season finale. Despite these challenges, Fast’s dedication to the game was recognized when he received the Steve Chiasson Award for exemplifying determination and inspiring his teammates during the 2021-22 season.
Fast’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his contributions to the teams he played for and the memories he created will remain cherished among fans and teammates alike. His legacy is one of resilience and commitment, qualities that aspiring players can look up to as they chase their own dreams in the sport.