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Islanders rumors: Why Anders Lee re-signing with New York isn’t a slam dunk
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- Islanders rumors: Why Anders Lee re-signing with New York isn’t a slam dunk
Islanders rumors: Why Anders Lee re-signing with New York isn't a slam dunk appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The New York Islanders were in a playoff spot late in the season before an epic collapse that cost Patrick Roy his job. But they still have a bright future, largely thanks to Calder Trophy winner Matthew Schaefer . It is up to general manager Mathieu Darche to improve the team this summer and get into the dance. The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun says that may involve letting Islanders captain Anders Lee walk in free agency.
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"My understanding is that New York Islanders GM Mathieu Darche has indicated to Lee's agent, Neil Sheehy, that the team does have interest in re-signing Lee but that it needs to make a few other moves before it can go down that road. Lee is also interested in staying on Long Island, but the sides would need to find common ground on salary and term, and I don't think that's a slam dunk given his age," LeBrun reported.
Lee turns 36 this summer and saw his offensive production drop off last season. After eight 20-goal seasons in nine years, Lee managed only 19 last year, including only five on the powerplay. With Brayden Schenn joining the team at the trade deadline, Lee's time on the top powerplay unit is likely over.
Will the Islanders let their captain walk?
Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The Islanders named Lee the captain before the 2018-19 season after John Tavares left for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Edina, Minnesota native led the team to two Conference Final appearances and five playoff appearances. Lee ranks 5th all-time in games played and third all-time in goals in franchise history.
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But the future of the organization lies with Schaefer, Victor Eklund, and Kashawn Aitcheson. Those three players were drafted in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft after the trade of Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens . The Islanders not only have to clear roster space for Eklund, but also clear cap space to make actual improvements to the roster.
But LeBrun's report indicates that Lee could come back if the price were right. His salary was $7 million per season for the previous seven seasons, and a new deal would have to be much less expensive than that. If Lee wants to stick around, play a smaller role, and make less money, Darche will re-sign him.
If Lee leaves, his hometown Minnesota Wild could be a great fit. They needed some depth scoring in the playoffs and could benefit from another veteran in the room on a cheap salary, given Kirill Kaprizov's new deal.
