Anders Lee’s agent met with Islanders GM Mathieu Darche on Wednesday, with the sides far apart on a new deal and free agency on July 1 now the probable outcome.
Islanders Captain Faces July 1 Market
Lee has played his entire 14-season NHL career with the Islanders and served as captain since October 4, 2018. The 35-year-old forward completed the final season of a seven-year contract signed July 1, 2019. Darche confirmed ongoing talks yet acknowledged the gap remains significant, leaving Lee on course to test unrestricted free agency.
The Islanders intend to keep trying for their captain through the deadline, but the current distance makes extension unlikely without a major shift before July 1. Lee’s departure would remove a consistent 20-plus goal scorer and locker-room leader from a group that missed the playoffs in 2025-26.
Senators Target Top-Six Help Without Core Sacrifices
Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios is prioritizing a top-six forward to skate alongside Tim Stutzle while refusing to move any established core pieces. The team lacks abundant prospects to offer in return, narrowing realistic targets to Mason McTavish of the Ducks, Jordan Kyrou of the Blues and Jared McCann of the Kraken.
A league executive indicated the Islanders are already shopping Mathew Barzal and his $9.15 million cap hit through 2030-31. That figure exceeds what the Senators can comfortably absorb if they also extend Drake Batherson in the $9-10 million range. Staios must simultaneously address the backup goaltender position and right-side blue-line depth.
Penguins Brace for Multiple Pending Free Agents
Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Stuart Skinner is expected to reach free agency July 1 unless the club trades Arturs Silovs, an RFA slated for re-signing. Sergei Murashov is projected to join the organization next season as organizational depth. Forward Anthony Mantha, who turns 32 in September, is unlikely to return after seeking a longer-term deal that other clubs are positioned to offer.
Defenseman Connor Clifton, the 31-year-old right-shot blueliner, is also projected to depart. The Penguins will therefore need to acquire at least one additional right-handed defenseman to balance the back end ahead of training camp.
The three-team ripple effect now points to accelerated movement on the open market once July 1 arrives.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.