by Jamy Baron

Only four days after being eliminated in the Eastern Conference Finals by the New Jersey Devils, the New York Rangers announced yesterday that they have agreed to terms with Swedish prospect, Jesper Fast. No that is not a spelling error as he legally changed his name from “Fasth” to “Fast”. It makes sense and is quite funny as the 157th pick of the 2010 NHL draft is indeed a speedy winger.

Fast has recorded 12 goals and 32 points in 59 career games in the Swedish Elite League, arguably the 2nd best hockey league in the world. Not too shabby for a 6th round draft pick, let alone any 20 year-old in a men’s league. Fast suffered a brutal knee injury earlier in the season, but came back in the playoffs, tallying two goals and an assist in five games.

The Swedish winger will most likely play another year in Sweden on a loan from the Rangers before coming over to play North American hockey in what will likely be the 2013-2014 season.

That’s enough about Fast.

In other news, the Rangers have agreed to terms with Slovakian forward, Marek Hrivik. Hrivik, who signed an Amateur Tryout with the Connecticut Whale, tallied five goals and nine points in nine games for the Whale in the playoffs.

The 20 year-old Czech has registered 93 goals and 204 points in 179 career games in the QMJHL playing for the Moncton Wildcats. Hrivik, 6’1″ and 195 pounds, will compete for a spot on the Rangers roster next September, but if he fails to earn one, he’ll only get better and learn more in the AHL.

The Rangers are sticking with the youth and hopefully it will all pay off