In an effort to bring his New York Rangers to the playoffs with a better chance of winning, coach Alain Vigneault called up Jesper Fast to the NHL from the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL.
Vigneault particularly likes the Swedish player for his speed and brains, according to to the New York Daily News. He even nicknamed Jesper “quickie” during camp, where Fast played on the fourth line, figuring out how to adjust to the NHL.
Fast scored 17 goals and 34 points in 48 games with the Wolf Pack as well as eight power play goals. Assistant general managers Jeff Gorton and Jim Schoenfeld described him as “the best player on the ice” after their game on Sunday.
The blueshirts practiced today in Westchester, where Fast was skating on a line with Brad Richards and Carl Hagelin.
“It’s a great opportunity to play with players who have their skills,” Fast said, in reference to Hagelin and Richards, according to Newsday. “The coach (Ken Gernander) has had a lot of confidence in me, so I feel I’m ready to help.”
In the current absence of Chris Kreider and Ryan McDonagh and the leave of team captain Ryan Callahan, the team needs an extra push, and hopefully that push will be Fast. If the New Jersey Devils lose tonight, the blueshirts will clinch that coveted playoff spot.
The New York Rangers will next play a home game against the Carolina Hurricanes Tuesday at 7 p.m.