Hurricanes' Fast to miss season after neck surgery

Carolina Hurricanes forward Jesper Fast will miss the entire 2024-25 campaign after undergoing neck surgery earlier this month, the team announced.

The 32-year-old was injured during Carolina's final game last season and missed the club's entire playoff run. The Hurricanes were eliminated by the New York Rangers in the second round.

Fast has one season remaining on his current contract at a cap hit of $2.4 million. He can be placed on long-term injured reserve before the season begins, which will free up additional money for the Hurricanes to sign star restricted free agent Seth Jarvis.

Fast has spent the past four years with the Hurricanes after a seven-year tenure with the Rangers to begin his career. He notched 19 points in 73 contests last season while averaging over 12 minutes per contest.