New York Rangers 2016-2017 Report Cards: Jesper Fast
By Lou Venditti
In his third NHL season, Jesper Fast gained the admiration of Alain Vigneault and New York Rangers fans alike for his dependability and penalty killing prowess.
The 2016-2017 season was Jesper Fast’s most impressive season as a Ranger. Coming off an already strong ‘15-’16 campaign, Fast stepped up and proved himself to be a vital penalty killer.
Fast, affectionately known as “Quickie” by Alain Vigneault, proved all season long why he can be a trusted forward for the Rangers. While he may not have been the flashiest, Fast did his job all season long.
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The Regular Season
Fast played in 68 games for the Rangers, scoring six goals and adding 15 assists. Fast has never been a high scoring threat, and these numbers reflect his role in the bottom six forward group.
Fast’s biggest contributions came defensively.
On the penalty kill, Fast was exceptional. Along with Michael Grabner, Fast played on the first penalty kill unit for most of the season. In his 100+ minutes of ice time, Fast was only on the ice for 11 goals against.
Fast had his most productive month early in the season. In the month of November, Fast played 15 games and put up two goals and four assists. He also had his only multi point game of the season in November, posting two assists in a 7-2 romp of the Vancouver Canucks.
Fast was sidelined for seven straight games in March after separating his shoulder. Late in the February 27th game against the Washington Capitals, Fast took a high hit into the boards from Alexander Ovechkin.
Upon returning from the injury, Fast only scored one goal in nine games before sitting for the last two games.
At the end of the regular season, Fast was award the Players’ Player for the second consecutive season. The Players’ Player award is awarded to the New York Ranger “who best exemplifies what it means to be a team player,” according to SNY.
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The Playoffs
Jesper Fast had an exceptional playoff performance in 2017. He scored three goals and assisted on three others in 12 games. Fast also added the first shorthanded points of his career, notching a goal and an assist.
Fast’s best game of the playoffs came in a Rangers loss, however. Fast scored a goal and an assist in the Rangers Game Five loss to the Ottawa Senators in the Second Round.
The Future
A new contract should be coming for Fast this offseason, and he has done a lot to deserve it. Eligible for arbitration at the end of the season, Fast will also be a restricted free agent.
When it comes to the expansion draft, Fast may have to be exposed. The Rangers may leave Fast as the odd man out. The Rangers have too many forwards ahead of Fast in the pecking order. Fast could potentially be a key piece for the Vegas Golden Knights, providing penalty killing and playoff experience for the new franchise.
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If protected, Fast will be a great Ranger for years to come. From his penalty killing ability to his locker room presence, Fast is an important piece of the New York Rangers.