Anders Lee opens up about emotional NY Islanders free agency exit

When Anders Lee entered the offseason, he thought he knew how it would end.

The longtime New York Islanders captain envisioned staying with the only organization he'd ever known, reaching the 1,000-game milestone on Long Island and finishing his NHL career where it began. Instead, after 14 seasons, 923 regular-season games, and 308 goals, Lee is beginning a new chapter with the Utah Mammoth after signing a three-year contract on Jul. 1.

Lee admitted the outcome caught him by surprise. "I didn't anticipate (leaving) at all or go into this process thinking that this would be the result," Lee told The Athletic. "I definitely had hope."

The two sides shared the same goal, but not the same vision. GM Mathieu Darche stated publicly wanted Lee back, but only on the team's terms. Lee was seeking more than the one-year commitment the Islanders were willing to offer. "They had their stance on the term, and I understand their side and they understood my side," Lee said. "Sometimes this is just the result. It's not personal or anything like that. This is part of our game, and going through that isn't easy."

It was a difficult reality for a player whose NHL journey led to him becoming one of the most accomplished players in franchise history, captain the team to consecutive Eastern Conference Final appearances and climb to fourth on the Islanders' all-time goals list.

Eight teams expressed interest once free agency opened, including his hometown Minnesota Wild. Ultimately, Lee chose Utah, believing it offered the best fit both on and off the ice. He said the organization's commitment stood out, from owner Ryan Smith personally welcoming him after he signed to teammates immediately reaching out to help his family settle in.

Still, leaving Long Island hasn't been easy. "Those are my guys, and I care for them," Lee said of his former teammates. "We worked together, we played together, we grew up together. As much as it's about hockey, sometimes it's about friendship and life."

For Lee, Utah represents a fresh opportunity, but Long Island will always be home.

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