1/24/20 | Pierre LeBrun writes at The Athletic that the Rangers and Jesper Fast have not yet had any talks about a possible contract extension. (The Athletic)

Fast, 28, is in the final-year of a three-year deal, that has a cap hit of $1.85 million, and is slated to be a UFA.

LeBrun says that he believes the Ranger want to re-sign Fast because of the example he sets for the younger players. (The Athletic)

Fast has won the Rangers Players’ Player award, given to the player that “best exemplifies what it means to be a team player,” for the past four seasons.

Fast was an occasional alternate captain during the 2017-18 season but has been a full-time alternate captain for the past two seasons.

Adam Rotter: I’m a little surprised on this though it seems like the Rangers don’t intend to talk contract with anyone until closer to the deadline. Fast seems like a no-brainer to extend. He can play up and down the lineup, kills penalties and sets an example for everyone on the kind of effort that is needed. Fast should be relatively cheap to extend, even on a four-year deal at something north of $2 million per season. It makes sense unless the Rangers feel they can get something worthwhile for him in a trade and have his replacement picked out.