Anders Lee left a lasting impression on some of the longest-tenured NY Islanders

One of the longest-tenured captains in NY Islanders history, Anders Lee, is set to begin a new chapter in his career for the 2026-27 season after signing a three-year deal with the Utah Mammoth.

Not only did Lee leacve a lasting impression on the organization and the fan base, the former 40-goal scorer also left a mark on his former teammates.

“Well, it’s always weird,” Matt Martin told Ben Dickson of Newsday at the Clark Gillies Foundation Golf Invitational. “Obviously, Anders was a great Islander and captain — my captain —for years. He'll be missed in the locker room. He'll be missed in the community, but that is the business of hockey. We've seen guys get traded, moved on year over year. It's never easy, but I think we all understand the reality of it. He got a nice deal in Utah, and they got a good team, and I think everybody here obviously wishes him the best.”

When Lee played his first game with the Islanders during the 2012-13 season, Josh Bailey was in the midst of his fifth season with the franchise. In came the hulking Lee, and after a few seasons on the ice together, Lee was named Captain following John Tavares' departure. Retiring following the 2022-23 season, next year will be the first time Bailey doesn't see his close friend donning the blue and orange.

“It’s tough. I can relate in a lot of ways," Bailey said. "You put your heart and soul into this place for a long time, and it comes to an end for all of us at some point. Thankfully for him, he gets a three-year deal out of it, and wish him nothing but the best. I'm sure he'll do great there.”

Lee will make his return to Long Island on Feb. 15, on what will be an emotional night for everyone inside UBS Arena. We'll likely see some familiar faces in the stands, as the Captain faces the Islanders for the first time.

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