Anders Lee named Islanders captain

The New York Islanders announced that forward Anders Lee will be the 15th captain for the in franchise history ahead of their home opener against the Carolina Hurricanes. His alternate captains will be forwards Josh Bailey, Cal Clutterbuck and Andrew Ladd.

Anders Lee will be the 15th captain in franchise history. (Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports)

The franchise went through a lot of changes this offseason by adding legendary GM, Lou Lamoriello, and signing Stanley Cup winning head coach Barry Trotz. Many were expecting the Islanders to be captainless during the 2018-2019 season after losing their former long-time captain, John Tavares, who left the team to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs in free agency.

Last season Anders Lee had a career year registering 40 goals, 22 assists, with a total of 62 points in 82 games. He spent his entire five year career with the Islanders playing 343 games with 207 points (124 goals and 83 assists).

The 28-year-old was selected in the sixth round (151st overall) by the Islanders in the 2009 NHL Draft.  The Minnesota native has experience being a captain for the University of Notre Dame during the 2012-2013 season. Later on in that season he debuted with the Islanders and scored on his debut.

Announcing his captaincy will means the franchise intends to extend him for long-term. Lee is currently in the final season of his 4-year, $15 million contract, and hopes to help the Islanders bounce back from the post-Tavares era. Tonight the Islanders will start their season at PNC Arena against the Carolina Hurricanes with Barry Trotz debut as an Islanders coach.

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