NY Islanders captain Anders Lee provides injury update and praises Cal Ritchie

New York Islanders captain Anders Lee provided a positive update on Sunday, saying he’s “feeling good” as he works through a minor issue that flared up in the previous game. Lee skated in a red non-contact jersey, stressing that his absence from full contact is precautionary.

“It happened last game early and just ended up not going away by the end,” Lee said. “I woke up with some discomfort, so it’s just maintenance. It’s progressing fine, nothing to worry about. Hopefully I can take that red thing off for the next practice.”

Lee noted he’d prefer to get into one of the Isles’ final preseason games but won’t push it if the timing doesn’t align. “It’d be nice to get one more in, just for timing,” he said. “But we’ve got 82 games ahead and I want to feel really good for those.”

The captain said Sunday’s practice emphasized regrouping and speed, as well as bringing energy and joy into camp. Afterward, the team was set to enjoy a barbecue together.

When asked about 20-year-old Calum Ritchie, who has turned heads all camp, Lee didn’t hesitate to praise the young center. “He’s got a really good skill set,” Lee said. “When the puck’s on his stick, something’s going to happen. He’s a really smart player, and you can see the 200-foot game in him. When he gets in a scoring spot, he can rip it. He looks like a well-rounded centerman with a good head on his shoulders.”

Lee’s comments reflect the growing trust Patrick Roy and the Isles staff have shown in Ritchie, who has logged power play time and late-game minutes against top NHL competition.