Anders Lee Looking to Get Back on the Plus Side for the New York Islanders

Plus and Minus Sides of New York Islanders captain Anders Lee

PLUS

There is no doubt that Lee’s most significant value comes in the form of veteran leadership. The intangible qualities he brings to the table have an unquantifiable value. Lee’s unwavering demeanor, particularly in the face of adversity has made him one of the strongest leaders in the Islanders’ clubhouse.

When Lee took over as captain following John Tavares’ departure, he inherited a team that faced several challenges. Namely, the Islanders were a team in transition, looking to find a voice to guide it through a period of significant uncertainty.

But that’s where Lee shined the brightest. The club rallied around him, working together to make back-to-back Conference Final appearances. During that time, Lee remained one of the most consistent forces for the club.

Additionally, Lee’s consistent production gave the New York Islanders a reliable offensive source. Lee has consistently scored 20 or more goals in every season since 2014-15, except for the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season.

Overall, Anders Lee’s plus side goes beyond the numbers. He’s the veteran voice that has helped young players rise through the ranks as they make their mark on the NHL. He embraced the role as a captain, keeping a level head throughout his tenure as the Islanders’ standard bearer.

His durability and consistent production have enabled the club to breathe a little easier, especially during times when inconsistency and injuries take their toll. This upcoming season, Lee will be more valuable than ever as a full season under coach Patrick Roy looks to build on last year’s impressive mid-season turnaround.

Barring a major injury, Lee should be there game in and game out, grinding it out, even if it’s in a bottom-six role.