News: (Warning in OP) Anders Lee "didn't think we'd get to this point". Meeting with other teams.

[featherhawk]

Lee likely is looking at this being his last lucrative contract so that is why he pushing the term IMO. Lou on the other hand is thinking wow, you know Lee is a decent numbers guy, not GREAT, is a great leader however his style of play does not lend itself to being as productive in the 5, 6, 7 years of a 7 year deal. As such Lou is Leary to sign Lee to a lengthy deal and you know what, I agree with Lou.

I would love Lee to sign with the Hawks but if Stan offered him 6 or 7 per over a 6 or 7 year term I would so hell NO. If Lee would sign a 3-4 year deal for 7.5 I would be hell YA

 

[SnS]

I think I would have rather went for Lee than overpay Hayes.

 

[PWJunior]

I think I would have rather went for Lee than overpay Hayes.

Lee is a modern day Tim Kerr.

 

[DANTHEMAN1967]

Lou letting another one get away.

 

[MikeyMike01]

I'd focus on getting the better player and captain of my team signed first before a complementary piece.

Do you think GMs can only negotiate with one player at a time?

 

[ScaredStreit]

I like Lee as much as the next person...but he’s going to be overpaid for too many years. I’d rather use that cap room for other assets, especially since Lee’s playing style will probably slow him down sooner rather than later. I hope he take the best deal he can for himself and his family...I just hope it’s not with us.

 

[elitepete]

It would be close to Benning level awful if they lose Lee because of the contract they gave to Nelson.

 

[SI90]

It would be close to Benning level awful if they lose Lee because of the contract they gave to Nelson.

But Nelson is younger, plays center, and is an all around better player on the ice than Lee. Nelson plays in all 3 zones.

 

[PWJunior]

I like Lee as much as the next person...but he’s going to be overpaid for too many years. I’d rather use that cap room for other assets, especially since Lee’s playing style will probably slow him down sooner rather than later. I hope he take the best deal he can for himself and his family...I just hope it’s not with us.

If Lee were willing to sign short term for 3/4 years, that would ideal. Bump up the dollars for the shorter term, everyone wins if he is willing to concede some job security on the back end. 3 years @ $9M/per, 4 years @ $8M/per. In the 3 year scenario, maybe he can parlay that into a decent additional contract (either here or elsewhere).

 

[SI90]

If Lee were willing to sign short term for 3/4 years, that would ideal. Bump up the dollars for the shorter term, everyone wins if he is willing to concede some job security on the back end. 3 years @ $9M/per, 4 years @ $8M/per. In the 3 year scenario, maybe he can parlay that into a decent additional contract (either here or elsewhere).

I’d do that in a heartbeat. I can understand though why Lee wants the term. This is purely business on both sides. Can’t be mad at Lou and you can’t be mad at Lee. This is just business. If Snow was the GM he would have re-signed Lee for 8 years and 9mil AAV already.

I’m happy Lou is showing discipline. Lee is a beloved islander by his teammates and the fans but that’s not enough to get you a long term deal. At the end of the day a GM has to project and evaluate what you are now and going forward. I think Lee will actually be an effective player for a few more years but he’s not the type
Of player you want to risk paying big bucks for 5+ years.

Love Lee but I’m not mad how this is playing out.

 

[Davegarri]

Lou letting another one get away.

The Lou special

 

[Whileee]

Avs clearing a ton of cap space. I wonder if they'd be in on Lee and Pavelski.

 

[Syckle78]

It would be close to Benning level awful if they lose Lee because of the contract they gave to Nelson.

They have cap. If they don't sign him it's because they decided he wasn't worth his ask.

 

[SoundwaveIsCharisma]

Would love Lee for he Avs PP, it’s the times where he’s not on the PP that would make me hesitate. Not sure he’d fit in well with the team 5on5 with the chaotic speed game the Avs tend to play.

 

[Syckle78]

Lee is the big dollar free agent I would be staying away from if I were a gm. I think he'll end up being the lucic/ Erickson of this year's ufa class. Wouldn't touch for over 4 years and would prefer 3. Yea I know that's unrealistic term.

 

[A Pointed Stick]

Lee is the big dollar free agent I would be staying away from if I were a gm. I think he'll end up being the lucic/ Erickson of this year's ufa class. Wouldn't touch for over 4 years and would prefer 3. Yea I know that's unrealistic term.

That is a real fear. He wants a deal with term but his style of play lends itself to him looking like Ladd in 4 years. A smart GM is leary of that.

 

[Man Bear Pig]

Lou letting another one get away.

I thought he was a genius since leaving the Leafs?

 

[Quicklime]

I thought he was a genius since leaving the Leafs?

Thought this was an Anders Lee thread rather than anything doing with the Leafs?

 

[Newsworthy]

It would be close to Benning level awful if they lose Lee because of the contract they gave to Nelson.

If they let Lee go it won't be because of Nelson.

 

[KevinRedkey]

Reminds me a little bit of the Matt Moulson situation a few years back. Tough to look at Lee and decide to give him term, but also tough to ignore that he can score 30+ goals.

 

[CupsOverCash]

He'd be a good fit for the Lightning but some team will give him an outrageous deal.

 

[JTToilinginToronto]

Lee of Islanders expects to enter NHL free agency interview period

Potentially two captains leaving in UFA 2 years in a row? Has that ever happened?

Ok, let’s give this one more go after many deleted posts.

- If you see a flame/troll/OT post report it and don’t respond to it.

- Cleaned up thread, all new troll/flame posts get an infraction. Wasted a ton of time cleaning this thread up.

Just have a civil conversation people, stop with the cheap shots back and fourth. This thread is on very thin ice now, 2nd one on the exact same subject in less then 24 hours. First one was shut down bc posters couldn’t control themselves......we will shut this down again if people can’t help themselves again. Just relax people.......finger is hovering over the infraction button.

Can't make business decisions based on optics.

If it costs $7x7 to retain him, I'd much rather just lose two captains in a row

 

[DANTHEMAN1967]

Anders Lee was 4th in scoring on the Islanders. If he walks and LL replaces him with a more dynamic player who can post 50+ points, the Islanders will be fine.

And if he doesn't the Islanders struggle even more to score goals.

 

[57special]

But Nelson is younger, plays center, and is an all around better player on the ice than Lee. Nelson plays in all 3 zones.

He only plays like that during contract year. All other years he is a lazy f***er.

 

[SI90]

He only plays like that during contract year. All other years he is a lazy ****er.

Last year was his most consistent and yes it was a contract year but he’s always been a reliable 2way player. He’s also always good for 20+ goals.

Last year Trotz changed a lot of our players games for the better. Nelson was one of them. Guess what’s really cool? Trotz is and will be our coach for at least another 4 years!