Anders Lee Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
The New York Islanders have lost their captain with veteran winger Anders Lee — one of the greatest players of the post-dynasty era — signing a three-year, $16.2 million contract ($5.4 million AAV) with the Utah Mammoth on the opening day of NHL free agency on Wednesday.
Lee, who will turn 36 on Friday, ends his Islanders career ranking fifth in franchise history in games played (923), fourth in goals (308), and 10th in points (549). The 14-year veteran, who was drafted by New York in 2009, had served as the team’s captain for the past eight seasons.
“I want to recognize and thank Anders for everything he’s meant to this organization,” Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche said. “He’s been a true pro… The last year was not an easy situation for him. He handled it with the utmost class, the way he played, the way he cared about this team.”
But Lee’s representation, headed by agent Neil Sheehy, and Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche had reached an impasse earlier last month after initial discussions regarding a potential new contract. A source told amNewYork that it was the signal for Lee’s camp to begin preparing for free agency, and that little progress was made throughout June.
Darche admitted on Wednesday evening that the length of the contract is what stalled talks. Lee was looking for a multi-year deal, while the Islanders were unwilling to go that far.
“You felt like you wanted the term, and he’s entitled to it,” Darche said. “He’s an unrestricted free agent. It’s in his power to see what’s out there, and we couldn’t come to an agreement. And again, I wish him all the best. I’m actually happy for Anders that he got the term that he wanted, and the money he wanted, so good on him for getting what he wanted.”
For the Mammoth, it caps off a big day pilfering from New York’s hockey ranks. Shortly before making the deal for Lee official, they acquired veteran center Vincent Trocheck from the Rangers for a third-round draft pick, defenseman Sean Durzi, and prospect Cole Beaudoin.
Darche’s decision to let Lee walk continues to reshape the Islanders’ foundation after a late-season collapse resulted in a playoff miss, despite going out and acquiring Ondrej Palat and Brayden Schenn at the trade deadline.
Schenn is expected to play in a similar role to Lee’s, as a third-line winger who can provide a net-front presence, while Palat’s future with the team is less concrete. Darche has also retained defenseman Tony DeAngelo and veteran center Jean-Gabriel Pageau with new deals.
For more on Anders Lee and the Islanders, visit AMNY.com
