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3 Jesper Fast replacements for Hurricanes after season-ending neck surgery feat. Kailer Yamamoto
The Carolina Hurricanes announced on Thursday that winger Jesper Fast will miss the entire upcoming season due to neck surgery. The loss will likely impact the Canes’ depth as Fast played a key role in the team’s bottom six.
With Jesper Fast now out for the season, the Hurricanes will look to add more depth as training camp rolls around. Here's a closer look at three potential replacements the Hurricanes could look at:
3 potential Jesper Fast replacements for Carolina Hurricanes
#3. Noel Gunler
The Swede has yet to make his NHL debut. But given the Canes’ need for a winger, Gunler could get a shot.
A former second-round pick in 2020, Gunler spent some time with the AHL Chicago Wolves, racking up 18 points in 31 games during the 2022-23 season.
As such, Gunler could deliver a similar style of play as Jesper Fast, allowing the team to get more flexibility up front, especially if injuries and inconsistency affect the club’s forward group.
#2. Kyle Okposo
Still a free agent at this point in the offseason, Kyle Okposo spent the tail end of last season with the Stanley Cup champions Florida Panthers, but failed to appear during the postseason. Nevertheless, Okposo could provide useful depth predominantly on the fourth line, giving the Canes much-needed flexibility.
At this point, Okposo could join the club on a PTO, meaning the Canes could cut ties with him if things don’t work out in training camp. Assuming he makes the team, there’s always the chance he could be sent down to the minors, most likely clearing waivers.
Now, assuming he sticks with the Canes, Okposo could deliver decent depth scoring. Last season, he notched 22 points through 12 goals and 10 assists in 61 games with the Buffalo Sabres before being traded to the Panthers.
That sort of depth scoring could be useful for Carolina, especially from a fourth-liner.
#1. Kailer Yamamoto
The former Edmonton Oilers first-round pick spent last season with the Seattle Kraken. In 59 games, he registered 16 points through eight goals and eight assists. While Yamamoto won’t likely be playing a top-six role anytime soon, he could fill a key depth role at an affordable price.
Last season, Yamamoto’s $1.5 million cap hit was fair given his role in Seattle. This time around, the Canes could get Yamamoto at around $1 million or perhaps even less.
There’s also reason to believe that Yamamoto could be a good fit in Carolina, given the Canes’ structured system, Yamamoto could find a solid role in which his skills could serve the team’s overall philosophy.
Perhaps the best part for the Hurricanes is that Yamamoto could play up and down the bottom six, particularly if injuries become an issue. If things don’t work out, they could put him on waivers without worrying about him being claimed right away.
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