NY Islanders' Anders Lee Makes Sense for Contender in Free Agency

Which team from the Western Conference makes sense as a landing spot for Anders Lee?

Apr 3, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (80) and New York Islanders forward Anders Lee (27) wait for the puck during the second period at UBS Arena. / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

As the New York Islanders get set for free agency, the team might be seeing one of its long-time players make the decision to move on from the team. 

With free agency coming up quickly, it is going to be a busy few weeks for the Islanders. This is a team that will be trying to improve coming off a solid campaign, but doing so is going to be a challenge. Even with the salary cap going up, New York’s cap situation is a bit of a mess. 

The Islanders have numerous poor contracts on the team, and that is going to limit what they can accomplish this summer. While trades are always possible to help that situation, it will not be easy. 

However, despite the team not having much cap space, there is a desire to improve. New York could use some help in their top six, and that generally doesn’t come cheap. Furthermore, their captain is also heading to free agency, and his future with the team has now become uncertain. With Anders Lee making the decision to test free agency, it will be interesting to see where he might go. However, one contender could be a strong option for him for a couple of reasons.  

Minnesota Wild an Option for Lee 

Cliche to say but I believe #mnwild have interest. https://t.co/RyNQcdoBvV

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) June 30, 2026

Coming off a strong campaign last year, the Wild are going to be trying to make some improvements with the hopes of going even further in the playoffs next year. The blockbuster deal during the season for them to acquire Quinn Hughes really changed their outlook for the season, and with him under contract for at least one more year right now, the team will be looking to capitalize on that. 

With some veterans coming off the books for them and hitting free agency, pursuing Lee as a depth piece could make a lot of sense. As a native of Minnesota, the veteran forward going back home to a team that is a contender could be very appealing for him as well at this stage of his career. 

Last season, he still performed well on the ice, totaling 42 points with 19 goals and 23 assists. Lee is still very good at getting in front of the net and causing problems for opposing defenses, and he could be a strong option for the middle six of the Wild. 

While the Islanders would like to have him back, the contract length is likely going to be the biggest sticking point. However, if he does elect to leave, the Wild make a lot of sense.