Islanders’ Anders Lee to hit free agency

One of the mainstays on Long Island looks to be heading out of town.

According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, New York Islanders captain Anders Lee is set to become an unrestricted free agent once the market opens up on Wednesday.

LeBrun reported that the Islanders were informed of Lee’s decision on Tuesday morning, despite the team’s offering improving in recent days. The Isles aren’t totally out of the running to keep their on-ice leader, but the chances of them re-signing Lee certainly take a hit when they have to compete with other potential suitors. The Edina, Minn., native had come to the end of his seven-year contract, signed with the team in July 2019, which carried a cap hit of $7 million per year.

It would mark the end of one of the longest-standing Islanders in franchise history. Lee has been part of the organization since he was taken by the Isles in the sixth round, 152nd overall, of the 2009 NHL Draft. He has spent the past 14 seasons with the team, going from depth player to being one of the most important athletes on the roster. After John Tavares infamously signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs in July 2018, Lee was named team captain shortly thereafter. With him leading the charge, the Isles have reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs five times, reaching the semifinals in 2020 and 2021.

Lee ranks fourth on the franchise leaderboard in goals (308), fifth in games played (923) and 10th in points (549).

While the 35-year-old isn’t getting any younger, he still has the ability to be a depth player on a potential contender. He has hit the 40-point mark four times in the past five years, including scoring 19 goals and 42 points in 82 games in 2025-26. He has also missed just one game in the past four seasons.