Jesper Fast practiced with the New York Rangers on Tuesday for the first time.
Fast signed a two-way contract with the Rangers over the summer but recently traveled to North America after his Swedish Elite League season ended. There had been speculation that Fast's presence could mean a demotion for either J.T. Miller or Chris Kreider, but coach John Tortorella cautioned that Tuesday's practice doesn't mean much of anything. "We just want to take a look at him, and we got a chance to talk before practice just to say hello. So that's all that is. We don't know where it goes," Tortorella said. Stay tuned.

Jesper Fast could join the Rangers by the "middle of next week," according to the New York Post's Larry Brooks.
Fast, the team's sixth-round pick from the 2010 draft, has played in the Swedish Elite League the past three seasons. The speedy winger broke out this year with 18 goals and 17 assists in 47 games, plus five more points in the playoffs. He just needs clearance from the Swedish Ice Hockey Association because he's a candidate to play in the World Championships, which start in May. With the Rangers looking to add some offense, Fast could immediately find himself with at least a third-line role. Fast carries a $900,000 cap hit.