Bo Horvat received classy congratulatory call after being named NY Islanders captain

Anders Lee is no longer with the New York Islanders, but the former captain made sure to congratulate the player chosen to succeed him.

Bo Horvat said Lee called him after learning the Islanders had named Horvat their new captain, replacing Lee, who signed a three-year contract with the Utah Mammoth this summer.

"They let him know and he called me, and talk about first-class human being," Horvat said. "Obviously, saying congratulations, but you know it's going to be big shoes to fill."

Lee served as Islanders captain beginning with the 2018-19 season and remained in the role through last season. He spent 14 seasons with the organization before departing in free agency.

Horvat said Lee's impact went well beyond his performance on the ice.

"He did so many great things for this organization, not only on the ice but off the ice, in the community, within the organization, and obviously we're going to miss him," Horvat said. "He was a true leader, a true captain."

Lee's community involvement was recognized by the NHL in 2024 when he received the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, awarded to a player who demonstrates leadership on and off the ice and makes a significant humanitarian contribution to his community.

Among Lee's charitable efforts has been his longtime involvement with the Jam Kancer in the Kan Foundation, which raises money in the fight against cancer. The various events have raised millions through the years and even led to the creation of annual scholarships.

Horvat, who previously served as captain of the Vancouver Canucks, now takes over a role Lee held for eight seasons on Long Island. Lee will begin the next chapter of his career in Utah, but his decision to call Horvat offered another example of the leadership his former teammates frequently credited him for during his time with the Islanders.

The letter has been passed on, but so have the expectations that come with it and that has much to do what happens away from the ice as it does on it.

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