With July 1 looming, GM Mathieu Darche remains in dialogue with the longtime captain as term remains the hurdle for a veteran seeking a career-defining milestone.
BUFFALO, NY -- New York Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche continues to talk with pending unrestricted free agent Anders Lee's camp ahead of July 1.
"We'll see. I guess what, July 1 is Wednesday?" Darche joked following day one of the 2026 NHL Draft. "I talked with the agent yesterday. I'm losing track of days at this time of year. I'm sorry, but I'll drive my wife down on July 5. I might sleep for three days, but yeah, I'm still talking, and we'll see what happens over the next few days."
Lee, who just finished the final season of a seven-year deal worth $7 million annually, sits 76 games shy of reaching the 1,000-game mark milestone, all with the Islanders.
The Minnesota native, I'm told, isn't concerned about the AAV but more about the term as he enters his age-36 season.
After the Islanders inked right-shot defenseman Tony DeAngelo to a two-year extension worth $4.5 million annually, that leaves them with $6.18 million in available cap space.
Given all the trades and extensions signed so far, if Lee hits the open market, he may be one of the top three forwards available.
In 923 career regular season games with the Islanders, Lee has recorded 549 points (308 goals, 241 assists).
