Fast wore a regular jersey for the first time since undergoing hip surgery in June during Wednesday's practice, Steve Zipay of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Fast still isn't expected to return to the Rangers' lineup until the end of October, but it's definitely encouraging to see he's already been cleared for contact in practice. The 25-year-old winger, who notched 21 points in 68 games last season, will likely take on a bottom-six role once he's ready to return to game action.

Fast (hip) has been skating for over a week and is in-line to return to the lineup by the end of October, NHL.com's Dan Rosen reports.

EDGE Analysis

When Fast was spotted skating with his teammates Sep. 6 and declared he was near 100 percent, it inspired confidence that the player would be ready for the start of training camp. However, the Rangers have decided to take a more cautious route to Fast's return, following the original five-month window of recovery that was announced when he went under the knife June 5. With this development, Fast may be best served as a free agent pickup rather than a draft pick in this season's fantasy leagues.

Fast (hip) participated in an informal workout Tuesday and declared that he's nearly 100 percent.

EDGE Analysis

The bottom-six winger isn't out of the woods in terms of his rehab, though his return to the ice is an encouraging sign. "This was the first time I was practicing with the team, doing some passing drills," he said. "It felt better than I thought it would. We'll see. We'll take it slow, take it step-by-step, and we'll see what happens." Following a seasonal output of 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) in 68 games, Fast reached a three-year extension with the Blueshirts in July. Between his injury and lack of playing time, it's best to leave him off fantasy rosters outside of extremely deep leagues.

Fast (hip) agreed to terms on a three-year contract with the Rangers on Wednesday worth an average annual value of $1.85 million.

EDGE Analysis

Fast was eligible for arbitration heading into Wednesday's 5pm ET deadline, but instead was locked down for another three years. The winger experienced a bit of a sophomore slump -- just 21 points in 2016-17 versus 30 the year prior -- but the decrease in productivity could be attributed to a variety of ailments that cost him time during the season. If the 25-year-old can get back to 100 percent following offseason hip surgery that is expected to keep him out for the first month of the 2017-18 campaign, there should be little doubt he can once again be a 30-plus point player.

Fast (hip) is among the Rangers players exposed for the upcoming Vegas expansion draft, the New York Daily News reports.

EDGE Analysis

After undergoing hip surgery in early June, Fast is expected to be out into November, making it even less likely that the Golden Knights will choose him over the likes of Oscar Lindberg and Antti Raanta. The speedy bottom-six winger is coming off a modest 21 points over 68 games with the Blueshirts in 2016-17.

Fast underwent hip surgery Monday and is expected to be sidelined for the next five months.

EDGE Analysis

Fast performed well in the postseason as he recorded six points in 12 outings while averaging 14:58 of ice time. The winger had a down year as he managed just six goals and 15 assists during the 2016-17 campaign and given his recovery timeline, will likely miss the start of next season. Between the injury and the drop in production, fantasy owners may want to wait until later rounds before picking up the 25-year-old who can still provide solid mid-range value once cleared to play.

Fast scored a goal and added an assist in Saturday's 5-4 overtime loss against Ottawa.

EDGE Analysis

Fast is now knotted with Michael Grabner, Mats Zuccarello and Derek Stepan for second in team scoring this postseason (six points in 11 games). That's pretty sweet for a fourth-line man.

Fast is projected to work on the Rangers' fourth line in Wednesday's playoff opener against Montreal, Matt Calamia of NYRangers.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

While Fast, who last suited up on April 2, is on track to be back in action to start the playoffs, his 6/15/21 stat line over 68 regular season contests illustrates that his fantasy utility is limited to deeper formats.

Fast has been ruled out for Wednesday's clash with the Capitals with "bumps and bruises", Brett Cyrgalis of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

It is unclear whether Fast will suit up in either of the remaining two contests against Ottawa and Pittsburgh or if the team will instead rest him until the postseason kicks off. Since returning from a shoulder injury. the winger has registered a lone goal despite averaging 13:05 of ice time over that stretch. The 25-year-old will not reach the 30-point mark this year, marking the end to a disappointing sophomore campaign.

Fast (shoulder) will suit up for Friday's meeting with the Panthers, Steve Zipay of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Fast, who has missed seven straight outings, had tallied a goal and two assists in his previous five contests and will look to resume that pace versus the Panthers. The Rangers will need to make a corresponding roster move once the officially activate the 25-year-old off injured reserve, with Tanner Glass or Brandon Pirri likely candidates.