Anders Lee signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with the New York Islanders in July 2019 to keep his net-front presence long-term. The deal drew criticism for term and cost amid concerns about aging into his mid-30s. Across the contract, Lee delivered reliable offense including four 20-goal seasons and a 29-goal rebound, plus physical play and crease presence that added non-quantified value. Leadership emerged as the biggest return, stabilizing the locker room through multiple regime changes. Injuries, slowed skating, occasional production dips, and cap inflexibility tempered the contract's value, leaving the overall grade at a B.
When Anders Lee signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with the New York Islanders in July 2019, it was a move to keep the captain and one of the league's premier net-front presences on Long Island for the long haul. The deal was viewed as too long and too much (what deals aren't?), and there were immediate concerns that the contract would age poorly as Lee played into his mid-30s.
Lee's contract carried expectations of consistency, leadership, and offensive punch. For the most part, he's delivered. He eclipsed the 20-goal mark four times during the deal, including a bounce-back 29-goal campaign last season, showing that his net-front finishing touch remained a core part of the Islanders' offense. Even when his totals dipped, his physicality, leadership, and presence in front of the crease provided value beyond the scoresheet.
Leadership has arguably been the greatest return on investment. Lee steadied the team through multiple regime changes since Barry Trotz. He's served as the glue in the locker room, a steadying voice for veterans and young players alike, especially during turbulent stretches, always the first one to meet the media after games, even if his comments at times felt redundant and lacked the temperament of a fanbase that wanted to show his frustration as much as they have.
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