Anders Lee Reportedly Headed To Free Agency

In that span, Lee has signed four separate contracts in the NHL to remain in New York, a two-year entry-level contract that paid him $3.5MM annually, followed by a one-year deal in 2014-15, making $851K.  That year, he scored 41 points in 76 games, earning him a four-year, $15MM extension at $3.75MM a year, which would take him to his first UFA expiration. Before his currently expiring $49MM deal, he peaked with multiple 50+ point campaigns, including a 40-goal season for a career-high 62 points in 2017-18.

Earlier this month, LeBrun reported that Lee’s agent, Neil Sheehy, met with Islanders GM Mathieu Darche to discuss an extension. The result was a “far apart” status on the idea of a new deal. While the organization reportedly had intended to keep negotiating and wanted to retain their locker room presence and net-front presence veteran, it will now be a massive hole in the lineup for Darche to patch up.

The majority of Lee’s 2025-26 was in a middle-six role, with his leadership qualities and ability to still produce decently, a contending team would benefit from that presence heavily. The NHL free agent market has dwindled with all the movement seen around the league, including the sign-and-trade moves of Alex Tuch to Washington and Darren Raddysh to Toronto. This could play into Lee’s favor if he wanted to take a decent chunk of money for what he provides. Then again, a July 3 birthday, which will make him 36 after he signs also opens the door where a contending team could convince him to take a 35+ contract that provides performance bonuses in compensation.