New York Rangers: Five potential replacements for Jesper Fast

Sep 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Jesper Fast (19) plays the puck against New Jersey Devils defenseman Andy Greene (6) during the first period of a preseason hockey game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 4, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Carolina Hurricanes forward Derek Ryan (33) shoots in the third period against the Minnesota Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk (40) at Xcel Energy Center. The Minnesota Wild beat the Carolina Hurricanes 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Derek Ryan-

I know what you’re thinking, “Tyler, I’m not going to trust a player with two first names.” But hear me out on this one.

Ryan had a long path to the NHL. After being undrafted playing junior hockey, Ryan played Canadian college hockey. After that, he went to Austria’s top tier league and then to the Swedish Hockey League before the Hurricanes signed him last summer.

Ryan made his NHL debut at age 29 last season playing six games for Carolina. This season Ryan appeared in 67 games and was one of the Hurricanes best two way forwards as a 30 year old rookie. Ryan is fantastic at faceoffs, which is an area the Rangers can certainly improve on. He won 55% of them this season. He also contributed on the power play and recorded eight of his 29 points with the extra man. Ryan is an unrestricted free agent and sure to be a cheap get.

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