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New York Islanders 2018-19 Season Left Wing Depth Chart

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 22: Anthony Beauvillier #72 of the New York Islanders celebrates after scoring against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on January 22, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Islanders 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 22: Anthony Beauvillier #72 of the New York Islanders celebrates after scoring against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on January 22, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Islanders 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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New York Islanders
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 23: Anders Lee #27 of the New York Islanders celebrates his goal at 1:31 of the first period against the Winnipeg Jets at the Barclays Center on December 23, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Anders Lee

2017-18 Stats: 40G, 22A, 62P
Cap Hit: $3.75 million | 1 year

Anders Lee ranks at the top of the New York Islanders left-wing depth chart. For what should be obvious reasons. He scored 74 goals over the last two seasons ranking fifth in the NHL over that period.

Anders Lee is one of the most prolific goal scorers in the NHL. Regardless of position. Only Alex Ovechkin has scored more goals from the left wing than Lee in the last two years. And because of that, he’s no doubt the best on the team.

He’s undoubtedly going to miss Tavares. But in Tavares exodus from New York to his hometown of Toronto Mathew Barzal steps into the first line center role.

The second-year NHL’er and the 2018 Calder Trophy winner as the league’s best rookie was the Islanders second best player last season. Arguably even their best, leading the Islanders in points with 85.

Could Lee regress? Probably. He’s lost the center he’s been playing with for two years. He also might lose his right winger in Josh Bailey.

Barzal played so well with Jordan Eberle last year that it’s hard to believe the former Edmonton Oiler will be playing on the second line in 2018-19.

The connection with Tavares and Lee’s increased production over the last two seasons is obvious. Not so obvious is Bailey’s contributions to Lee’s game.

Must Read: Josh Bailey's Success Wasn't An Accident

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