Forward Anders Lee and the New York Islanders are stuck in a contract impasse. Lee has just completed the final year of his seven-year, $49 million contract.
He has played his entire NHL career with the Isles since being drafted in 2009 and has served as team captain since John Tavares departed in 2018.
According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, Lee is expected to test the free-agent market on July 1, despite the Islanders’ desire to keep him on Long Island long-term.
“Looking like Anders Lee is preparing to hit free agency. His agent Neil Sheehy met with Isles GM Mathieu Darche today. Both sides are far apart. The Isles intend to keep trying — they want their captain back. But Lee appears most likely headed to market at the moment. Obviously, things could still change between now and July 1,” LeBrun posted on X.
Here’s how fans on X (formerly called Twitter) reacted. One tweeted:
“Darche disaster class
Another chimed in:
Here are some of the other top reactions on X:
“I love Lee but it’s time to move on. Need to get younger,” a third fan wrote.
“Anders Lee is 35. Some team is going to spend too much money and too long of a term for an aging player. Don’t let it be the Rangers. This has regret written all over it!” one X user opined.
“Could be a bottom-six fit for the Devils if he wants to stay in the area and is reasonable on his value,” another chimed in.
“….just, GREAT. After SO much arguing on MY part they NEEDED to sign him – cutting your captain LOOSE, with but THREE goals required from him to become team’s THIRD leading IN that category, is a truly-TERRIBLE look…..,” added another.
New York Islanders exploring market for big-name trade piece
The New York Islanders had a disappointing season, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season. This led to the firing of coach Patrick Roy, who was replaced by Peter DeBoer late in the season. With the new coach on board, DeBoer and GM Mathieu Darche will be looking to reshape their roster.
According to Bruce Garrioch of The Ottawa Citizen, the Islanders are exploring the market for Mathew Barzal:
“A league executive told The Citizen that the New York Islanders are exploring the market for forward Mathew Barzal. The club would like to clear some cap space, but it’s a big financial commitment with four years left at $9.15 million through 2030-31,” Garrioch wrote.
Barzal has been with the Islanders for a decade now, accumulating 534 points through 153 goals and 381 assists in 611 career games.
Edited by Abhishek Dilta