New York Islanders Predicting Three UFA Contract Extensions

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 08: Anders Lee #27 of the New York Islanders scores a powerplay goal at 14:34 of the second period against the San Jose Sharks at the Barclays Center on October 08, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Anders Lee | LW

The New York Islanders won’t let Anders Lee leave on July 1. Named captain at the start of the 2018-19 season, Lee embodies the playing philosophy under Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz. He’s tough to play against. Few players in the NHL are as difficult hard to move from the front of the net as Anders Lee.

Lee is honest, accountable, and responsible. He isn’t going anywhere. He will be extended by the Islanders before July 1.

Anders Lee’s current deal carries a cap hit of $3.75 million. Over his last three seasons, he’s scored 89 goals, ranking him 12th in NHL scoring over that period (tied with Jeff Skinner and Joe Pavelski).

With his 18 goals over 53 games this season, Lee is on pace for 28. That’s quite the drop-off from the 40 he scored last season. But with 19 assists, Lee is four helpers short of passing his career high of 22 from last season.

Lee is still a dangerous goal scorer, and he’ll certainly up his production on that front before the end of the season. But it’s undeniable that he’s become more of a complete player this season.

Lee is still one of the better power forwards in the NHL, but he’s also clearly able to get involved in the play and not simply head to the front of the net to cause chaos.

When it comes to his next deal you have to think Lee won’t get a penny less than James van Riemsdyk. JVR plays a similar style to Anders Lee. But JvR isn’t as prolific as the Isles former sixth-round pick.

Between 2015 and 2018 van Riemsdyk has scored ten fewer goals and five fewer points than Anders Lee. In last seasons free agency JVR signed with the Philadelphia Flyer for a cap hit of $7 million over six years.

With all of the cap space the New York Islanders have Lee will easily get a six-year $45 million deal from the New York Islanders.