A case for re-signing Jesper Fast

The players’ player

Okay, Jesper Fast is 27 years old.  That is dangerously close to senior citizenship in the modern NHL and the Rangers could find someone younger.  Okay, he scored only eight goals in 66 games and every fan can recall an instance when he whiffed on what could have been a key goal.  The Rangers were able to find a sniper like Michael Grabner for less than Fast’s salary and could do it again.

There is no doubt that when it comes to pure numbers, Jesper Fast is not an all star.  But as a teammate he is and the example is the Players’ Player Award.

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It’s an annual award given to the player “who best exemplifies what it means to be a team player.”  The Players’ Players Award is the one award not voted on by the fans or sports writers.  It is voted on by the players and guess who has won the award for the last four years?  Jesper Fast.

The players know when a teammate is playing through an injury and is willing to suffer when throwing a hit.  They know which teammate will take a hit to make a pass and which teammate is willing to block a shot when a stick check is an option.   They know which teammate gives his all every shift.

The winners of the award before Fast included Rick Nash, Ryan McDonagh and Ryan Callahan. That’s pretty good company for the Swede and is a sure indication of how valuable a teammate he is.

Stablity

With so much turnover on the roster, there is something to be said for stability. Fast made his debut with the Blueshirts in October 2013.  He is fourth on the team in seniority, only behind Henrik Lundqvist, Marc Staal and Kreider.

With that turnover, the identity of the New York Rangers has changed.  For the first time in years, we can honestly describe the roster as loaded offensively.  The pipeline is filled with young, skilled players who are expected to fill the net. But young players tend to be lax when it comes to defense and with this roster, there is certainly room for a conscientious defensive forward like Fast.

Although the 2020 playoffs may be a dream, Fast has played in 39 playoff games, again, fourth on the team.  That experience will be invaluable as the team improves and becomes a contender.

With such an infusion of youth, a player like Fast will immensely helpful in leading by example.  Fast is exactly the player you want Vitali Kravtsov, Kaapo Kakko and Adam Fox to emulate.  It’s why Fast was chosen by David Quinn to be one of the rotation of five team captains last season.

With a two or three year extension, Fast will be guaranteed to be a part of this Ranger team as it transforms from a rebuild to a Stanley Cup contender.  He deserves the opportunity.