Islanders Should Bring Back Anders Lee, But Only on Their Terms 

While Anders Lee’s future with the New York Islanders remains uncertain, the debate over what to do with the long-time captain rages on. At 35, the Islanders still need to get younger and faster at most positions on their roster, and Lee’s deal — seven years, $49 million is finally coming off the books. 

However, it still feels like there is a fit if both parties can be honest about what Lee is now and where that places him on the roster. Lee still has the ability to contribute. He just can’t be paid or used like one of the top guys anymore. 

That’s the line general manager (GM) Mathieu Darche must draw in the sand. Lee could come back on a short-term deal, at a much smaller number and in a decreased role. Or Lee may decide to leave if the money is too uncomfortable or the term isn’t long enough. 

That may sound harsh for a player like Lee, given what he has meant to this franchise, but the Islanders have spent too much time letting loyalty turn into roster trouble in recent years. 

It can’t happen again. 

Lee Still Has a Place With the Islanders 

It is possible to overdramatize the Lee debate a little bit. Lee is not what he once was, but he still brings a lot to the table. 

Lee had 19 goals and 42 points this season. That is still useful for a team trying to find goals throughout the lineup, and I don’t care how much older and slower he may be; a forward scoring 19 goals still has value. 

As long as the Islanders use Lee simply as a veteran who can play fourth-line minutes, provide that needed net-front presence and still battle in the hard areas, it could make sense. 

He still does some things this roster really needs right now. 

Lee still works the front of the net with an effectiveness most forwards in the Islanders’ lineup can’t replicate. The Islanders don’t have enough forwards who are willing to get their noses dirty. That’s another reason for not rushing to remove Lee from the lineup just to make the roster look younger on paper. 

Darche said he would “love to see him play 1,000 games with the Islanders,” but he also made sure to add that it has to be something that makes sense for both sides and for the direction of the roster. The door is open, but it doesn’t sound like Darche is willing to ignore the bigger picture just to make the reunion happen.

Islanders Can’t Let Respect Become a Mistake 

Lee has earned a tremendous amount of respect. That is not up for debate. He is the captain of this team, a long-time Islander, and one of the faces of the franchise. He was drafted by the organization, stayed through a period where they weren’t exactly at their best, and became a big part of the teams that finally were competitive. None of that deserves to be tossed aside. 

It just can’t drive the price or predetermine where he plays on the ice. 

The Islanders have lived with this kind of thing far too often. Holding onto familiar names too long. Staying comfortable when they know they should be making difficult, unpopular decisions about who they carry. 

That is why this Lee decision matters more than a normal depth signing. Darche must draw a hard number and commit to it. 

Darche Has to Be Willing to Walk Away 

Lee made it known that he would like to stick around on Long Island, calling the Islanders his home and “where I have been playing my whole career,” while also adding, “I have put my whole life and everything into this team.” 

I believe him. I also believe there is something great about a player like Lee getting to see his career through with one team. 

But the Islanders can’t start acting like decisions should be made on feelings. They’re not a team with that kind of luxury at this stage. 

They need cap flexibility and young players stepping into legitimate, everyday roles. They need a front office willing to make tough calls instead of running it back year after year and waiting for things to change. 

As long as Lee is willing to be honest about the new role and commit to doing that part, this can still work for both sides. Lee can stay where his heart clearly is, and the Islanders can keep a valuable player. 

If that is not something Lee buys into, it is time for Darche to say goodbye. 

That may be an emotional decision for those who appreciate everything Lee has been, but it would still be the correct one. The Islanders can remember and respect everything Lee has given them without letting that dictate another potentially problematic contract.