Lighthouse Hockey - NHL Free Agency 2019: New York Islanders CoverageLighthouse Hockey: Try to fixate on something else.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50729/lhh-fav.png2019-07-09T11:00:00-04:00http://www.lighthousehockey.com/rss/stream/204419362019-07-09T11:00:00-04:002019-07-09T11:00:00-04:00Islanders Anxiety - Episode 96 - A Very Islanders Day
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<p>Somebody’s eggs are getting broken.</p> <p id="0h6YV8">Mike and Dan examine the big news from the Belmont Arena front and do some summer wish-listing for the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Islanders</a>. </p>
<p id="L5DA2h">They look at the major announcements, including the team footing the bill for a new train station, and marvel at some of the complaints lodged against the project. Later, they kick around some trade ideas and have their say on Mitch Marner, the (currently) unsigned restricted free agent who keeps being photographed around Islanders. </p>
<p id="qTjhAc">Stay tuned after the outro music for a special preview of a new Lighthouse Hockey podcast called <em>Islanders Award Winners</em>, that will debut next season. It’s a narrative podcast showcasing a single season in which an Islander took home a major NHL award.</p>
<p id="w6CmJZ">Thank you all so much for listening and hanging out with us this season. We can’t say it enough. We’ll be back in a few months.</p>
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<h3 id="ZF5jFL">REFERENCES</h3>
<ul>
<li id="5hqoBM">Yeah, so, like, this whole arena thing is getting <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/7/8/20686633/new-york-islanders-arena-belmont-park-train-station-development">very, very close</a>.</li>
<li id="EcW20H">Much more from the Empire State Development meeting today from <a href="https://twitter.com/randimarshall/status/1148324251675611137">Newsday’s Randi Marshall via Twitter</a>. It’s a looooooooong thread.</li>
<li id="VPBQfy">ooooooooooh pretty...</li>
</ul>
<div id="1YnBYk">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It’s a great day for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> fans!<br><br>JUST RELEASED: New York State has certified the Environmental Impact Statement for our new arena! Check out the latest rendering of Belmont Park. It’s a BEAUTY. <a href="https://t.co/ubDXRmXcJm">pic.twitter.com/ubDXRmXcJm</a></p>— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYIslanders/status/1148359579639660544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2019</a>
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<ul>
<li id="vv5HMB">Meanwhile back at the ranch, the Islanders could look at <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/7/8/20686376/new-york-islanders-trade-targets-left-wing-hoffman-zucker-ehlers">a few trade possibilities</a> that Carey has conveniently laid out.</li>
<li id="nfpxpa">If you haven’t already listened to it, check out <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN1050Radio/status/1146411380834222080">Robin Lehner’s interview with TSN 1050</a> about his exit from the Islanders and signing with Chicago.</li>
</ul>
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<h3 id="wmzUok">PLUGS!</h3>
<ul>
<li id="ESmQqn">Tell everyone you can about <a href="http://NHLNames.com">NHLNames.com</a>, the great new website founded by our own Jon and Travis (aka Spizzwolf and North Dakota Red Eagle).</li>
<li id="AwoPnv">And as always, check out <a href="https://sneakyathletic.com/product-category/isles">SneakyAthletic.com</a> for great Islanders merchandise and use the code ANXIETY at the checkout to get 10% off.</li>
</ul>
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<p id="L5RQTj"><strong>Please subscribe, download, rate, review or spread the word about </strong><em><strong>Islanders Anxiety</strong></em><strong> any way you can.</strong> All of it helps to raise the show's profile and maybe could get us a fancy sponsor to sell out to in the near future. And if you give us an iTunes review, write a comment here or even send us a tweet, we might just read it on our next show.</p>
<p id="CLgQtG">Opening theme song: "Sports" by Josh Spacek, available at the <a href="http://FreeMusicArchive.org">FreeMusicArchive.org</a>.</p>
<p id="SuUhIA">Closing theme song: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gubtbyC60XY">“Voodoo Train”</a> by The Bellrays</p>
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https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/7/9/20686988/islanders-anxiety-episode-96-a-very-islanders-day-belmont-arena-train-station-mitch-marnerDan SaraceniMichael J. Leboff2019-07-03T11:00:00-04:002019-07-03T11:00:00-04:00Islanders Anxiety - Episode 95 - Dance With The False Hope Devils
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<p>Was this even a real thing?</p> <p id="0h6YV8"><strong>NOTE: CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE. PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED</strong>.</p>
<p id="w6CmJZ">Mike & Dan cover another weird free agency day for the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Islanders</a>, a roller coaster of big losses, galaxy brains and, perhaps most weirdly, hope.</p>
<p id="WkwHrC">They talk about how <span>Artemi Panarin</span> slipped through the team’s fingers, how <span>Anders Lee</span> isn’t @#$%&ing leaving and how <span>Robin Lehner</span>’s Islanders chapter came to a sad end. They also examine how the loss of one goalie and the acquisition of another is tied to the eventual signing of a third. </p>
<p id="zjLDTh">Finally, they look at the big picture and where the Islanders stand now, and how the day shook out around the NHL.</p>
<p id="quW1YM">If you listen to any other SB Nation podcasts, be sure to keep your ears open for our promo for Lighthouse Hockey podcasts. Should be running soon if it’s not already.</p>
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<h3 id="ZF5jFL">REFERENCES</h3>
<ul>
<li id="5hqoBM">Our entire stream of stories from this free agency year <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/7/1/20677895/nhl-free-agency-2019-new-york-islanders-anders-lee-panarin">can be found here</a>.</li>
<li id="f7Jzzz">And <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/7/1/20678339/isles-buzz-the-captain-anders-lee-returns">Dan and Noel talked about July 1st</a> just hours after the day ended.</li>
<li id="6jD3c6">Arthur Staple on <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F1058105%2F2019%2F07%2F01%2Fhow-the-islanders-winding-path-through-free-agency-led-them-back-to-anders-lee%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lighthousehockey.com%2F2019%2F7%2F3%2F20680350%2Fislanders-anxiety-episode-95-dance-with-false-hope-devils-free-agency-panarin-lee-lehner-varlamov" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Anders Lee’s journey</a> from the Islanders to... the Islanders.</li>
<li id="ZxESng">Staple’s Athletic colleague Scott Powers recounts just how the hell <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F1058856%2F2019%2F07%2F01%2Fhow-the-blackhawks-unexpectedly-landed-goalie-robin-lehner%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lighthousehockey.com%2F2019%2F7%2F3%2F20680350%2Fislanders-anxiety-episode-95-dance-with-false-hope-devils-free-agency-panarin-lee-lehner-varlamov" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Robin Lehner ended up in Chicago</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p id="TF9Wo0"></p>
<h3 id="wmzUok">PLUGS!</h3>
<ul>
<li id="ESmQqn">Tell everyone you can about <a href="http://NHLNames.com">NHLNames.com</a>, the great new website founded by our own Jon and Travis (aka Spizzwolf and North Dakota Red Eagle).</li>
<li id="AwoPnv">And as always, check out <a href="https://sneakyathletic.com/product-category/isles">SneakyAthletic.com</a> for great Islanders merchandise and use the code ANXIETY at the checkout to get 10% off.</li>
</ul>
<p id="pLBn3N"></p>
<p id="lWKZD4"></p>
<p id="L5RQTj"><strong>Please subscribe, download, rate, review or spread the word about </strong><em><strong>Islanders Anxiety</strong></em><strong> any way you can.</strong> All of it helps to raise the show's profile and maybe could get us a fancy sponsor to sell out to in the near future. And if you give us an iTunes review, write a comment here or even send us a tweet, we might just read it on our next show.</p>
<p id="CLgQtG">Opening theme song: "Sports" by Josh Spacek, available at the <a href="http://FreeMusicArchive.org">FreeMusicArchive.org</a>.</p>
<p id="SuUhIA">Closing theme song: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LhCd1W2V0Q">“Are You Gonna Go My Way”</a> by Lenny Kravitz.</p>
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<p id="VI87xV"><strong>You can subscribe</strong> to <em>Islanders Anxiety</em> in any podcast app. Use either the app’s search function or enter <a href="http://feeds.megaphone.fm/VMP3248194988">our RSS feed</a>.</p>
<p id="LpczVG">Hosting for SB Nation podcasts is <a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/VMP3248194988?selected=VMP7006922269">provided by Megaphone</a>.</p>
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https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/7/3/20680350/islanders-anxiety-episode-95-dance-with-false-hope-devils-free-agency-panarin-lee-lehner-varlamovDan SaraceniMichael J. Leboff2019-07-02T07:15:00-04:002019-07-02T07:15:00-04:00Islanders News: Free agency, in with the Russian, out with the Swede
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<img alt="Colorado Avalanche v New York Islanders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vyvlY3Qrodgmy5mHj28C9nf_2F8=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64658675/458825916.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Let’s practice what you and I do best. | Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Sifting through the ashes of free agency’s eventful opening day</p> <p id="iskTeJ">The <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a> did not hit paydirt in their quest to handsomely pay free agent winger <span>Artemi Panarin</span>.</p>
<p id="oRM7gA">Unfortunately, he went to a rival, whose fans will no doubt cite non sequiturs and anachronisms in a quest to rub that in, as fans of the Stepchild of the Original Six are wont to do for want of a second Cup since World War II.</p>
<p id="CWj6vi">Fortunately, the <span>Panarin</span> chase did not create a casualty some of us feared: <span>Anders Lee</span> still re-signed, and as he and his agent underlined afterward, that was never really in doubt. On the contrary, their delay was possibly even to ensure the Islanders had room to add more.</p>
<p id="aQBSnD">Unfortunately, the Islanders have yet to add more, and did lose their other remaining key free agent, though that now almost appears by design: They offered four years to an older <span>Semyon Varlamov</span> at a rate that could have gotten two years of the younger and incumbent <span>Robin Lehner</span>, according to the new Blackhawk.</p>
<p id="6hcAyf">No matter how all that went down, the Islanders still have work to do to improve on 2018-19. Thanks for following along with us yesterday. There is more to come...(?)</p>
<h4 id="nzUXoM">Islanders News</h4>
<ul>
<li id="Uy6SYR">Fries My Bananas: <span>Anders Lee</span> always wanted to remain an Islander and instructed his agent to keep working to that effect, so reports of him doing anything more than listening to other teams really get his agent’s goat. [<a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/7/1/20677905/anders-lee-re-signs-new-york-islanders-free-agent-millions">LHH</a> | <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/anders-lee-islanders-1.33249903?utm_source=tw_sp">Newsday</a> | <a href="https://nypost.com/2019/07/01/islanders-bringing-anders-lee-back-on-seven-year-deal/?utm_campaign=iosapp&utm_source=twitter_app">Post</a>] Whether or not he ever considered other offers, circumstances closed in on this 7x7 match. [<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F1058105%2F2019%2F07%2F01%2Fhow-the-islanders-winding-path-through-free-agency-led-them-back-to-anders-lee%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lighthousehockey.com%2F2019%2F7%2F2%2F20678507%2Fislanders-news-free-agency-robin-lehner-anders-lee-varlamov" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Athletic</a>]</li>
<li id="lbIqEA">God love Lee, this is always where he wanted to be, and he was sure it would work out in the end. That’s a captain. [<a href="https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/lee-couldnt-be-happier-to-stay-with-islanders/c-308163780">Isles</a>]</li>
<li id="hxyLw0">It’s four years, $20 million, and a significant no-trade clause for Varlamov. [<a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/7/1/20678033/new-york-islanders-semyon-varlamov-four-years-contract">LHH</a>]</li>
<li id="i4B4f6">Just what exactly happened here? Noel and Dan P. review on Isles Buzz podcast. [<a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/7/1/20678339/isles-buzz-the-captain-anders-lee-returns">LHH</a>]</li>
<li id="HI7Aj5">Carey Haber joined the <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fptisles%2Fit-could-have-been-worse-i-ptisles&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lighthousehockey.com%2F2019%2F7%2F2%2F20678507%2Fislanders-news-free-agency-robin-lehner-anders-lee-varlamov" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">PTIsles podcast</a> to lament and share relief on a wild day.</li>
<li id="NCV4r0">Lou Lamoriello says the Islanders have been reviewing Varlamov for a while, and the goaltending staff is fully behind the move. [<a href="https://thesportsdaily.com/2019/07/01/isles-ink-varlamov-as-lehner-signs-elsewhere/">Islanders Insight</a>]</li>
<li id="ORvfbA">Of course, Lou also said the Isles did “everything [they] could” to keep <span>Lehner</span>, which is, you know, not how <span>Lehner</span> says that all went down, saying he was patient with the Isles only to receive a two-hour “ultimatum.” [<a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/7/1/20677975/nhl-free-agency-robin-lehner-new-york-islanders-chicago-blackhawks-semyon-varlamov">LHH</a> | <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/robin-lehner-islanders-1.33260964?utm_source=tw_sp">Newsday</a> | <a href="https://thesportsdaily.com/2019/07/01/isles-split-with-lehner-has-an-unfortunate-ending/">Islanders Insight</a> | <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/robin-lehner-signs-one-year-contract-with-blackhawks/c-308097460?tid=281072352">NHL</a>]</li>
<li id="8as7RE">And Lou, Lee and Varlamaov are happy with how things went, overall, in free agency. [<a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-happy-with-anders-lee-and-semyon-varlamov/c-308165174?tcid=tw_news_content_id">NHL</a>]</li>
<li id="WPxmVr">Seven facts about Varlamov. [<a href="https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/7-facts-semyon-varlamov/c-308155388">Isles</a>]</li>
<li id="oECrU8">No new news for the Sound Tigers, though other AHL movement on July 1. [<a href="https://blog.ctnews.com/fornabaio/2019/07/01/lee-returns-monday-notes/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter">Soundin’ Off</a>]</li>
</ul>
<h4 id="1eubrC">Elsewhere</h4>
<ul>
<li id="fVjFus">Free agency signings: We had our <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/6/30/20661073/nhl-free-agency-signings-teams-pavelski-zuccarello-panarin-bobrovsky">tracker thread here</a>. And here’s the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/free-agency-signings-2019/c-299340484">NHL official tracker</a>.</li>
<li id="svDpq9">But also...OFFER SHEET! We briefly wondered whether Montreal’s offer sheet to (the other) <span>Sebastian Aho</span> <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/7/1/20677669/nhl-free-agency-sebastian-aho-offer-sheet-anders-lee-islanders">meant Lee’s options were narrowed</a>. Meanwhile, the Habs considered an offer sheet to <span>Brayden Point</span> before targeting Carolina instead. [<a href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/latest-news/2019/7/1/20677751/brayden-point-offer-sheet-rumours-montreal-canadiens-options-sebastian-aho-marc-bergevin?_ga=2.84721936.804139484.1561821240-370427558.1529040143">HEOTP</a>]</li>
<li id="KPsZW9">The <a href="https://www.litterboxcats.com/">Panthers</a> paid BIG for <span>Sergei Bobrovsky</span>, seven years at $10 million per pop. I hope it works out for them but that is scary term and money. [<a href="https://www.litterboxcats.com/2019/7/1/20677548/florida-panthers-sergei-bobrovsky-seven-year-contract-nhl-free-agency?_ga=2.109291788.804139484.1561821240-370427558.1529040143">Litter Box Cats</a>]</li>
<li id="8e5qy2">The Leafs dealt Nazim Kadri to the <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Avalanche</a> for right-shooting defenseman <span>Tyson Barrie</span> and center Alex Kerfoot. [<a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-trade-nazem-kadri-to-colorado-avalanche-for-tyson-barrie/c-308161634">NHL</a>]</li>
<li id="KVooud">Weird Frans, <span>Valtteri Filppula</span>, ends up back with the Wings for two years, $6 million. [<a href="https://www.wingingitinmotown.com/2019/7/1/20677471/red-wings-sign-valtteri-filppula-to-two-year-deal">Winging It In Motown</a>]</li>
<li id="qw53ZG">The Smurfs’ expectations have risen with the addition of <span>Panarin</span> and lottery luck, but John Davidson cautions that they are still in a rebuild. This is a nice line though: “Can Andersson be a legitimate top-two or top-three center? If neither can be the No. 2 center behind <a href="https://www.nhl.com/player/mika-zibanejad-8476459">Mika Zibanejad</a>, does that mean it’s <a href="https://www.nhl.com/player/ryan-strome-8476458">Ryan Strome</a>?” Do tell. [<a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/artemi-panarin-biggest-splash-for-new-york-rangers-offseason/c-308163692">NHL</a>]</li>
<li id="51iCdw">The <a href="https://www.coppernblue.com/">Oilers</a>...re-signed Alex Chiassson, so there’s that! [<a href="https://www.coppernblue.com/2019/7/1/20677553/oilers-re-sign-alex-chiasson-edmonton-oilers-free-agency?utm_campaign=coppernblue&utm_content=chorus&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&_ga=2.16403775.804139484.1561821240-370427558.1529040143">Copper n Blue</a>] Ken Holland says they’re not done though. [<a href="https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/edmonton-oilers-gm-ken-holland-hints-at-more-roster-action-theres-still-two-months-to-go">Edmonton Journal</a>]</li>
<li id="f4XbwJ">The Athletic panel asks what the Panarin signing means for the <a href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">Rangers</a>, though you know they really mean how does it affect the Leafs. [<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F1057621%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lighthousehockey.com%2F2019%2F7%2F2%2F20678507%2Fislanders-news-free-agency-robin-lehner-anders-lee-varlamov" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Athletic</a>]</li>
<li id="H7NTpI">The Seattle expansion franchise added a brother-sister combo to their staff through a serendipitous encounter at an ice rink. [<a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-seattle-diversity-and-inclusion-in-hiring/c-308122808?tid=285562886">NHL</a>]</li>
<li id="c671Tx">What the <a href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Penguins</a> can expect from <span>Alex Galchenyuk</span>, other than not being <span>Phil Kessel</span>. [<a href="https://www.pensburgh.com/2019/7/1/20677043/what-to-expect-from-alex-galchenyuk-now-that-he-is-a-penguin-phil-kessel-trade-nhl-stats-arizona?_ga=2.9824828.804139484.1561821240-370427558.1529040143">PensBurgh</a>]</li>
<li id="O8EsAw">
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-playoffs">Stanley Cup</a>’s summer travels have begun, starting with <a href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/">Blues</a> coach and former Islanders #16 Craig Berube. [<a href="https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/summer-with-the-champs/c-308063830">Blues</a>]</li>
<li id="QUSaDt">Will Pat Maroon stay with the Blues or take a bigger offer? It’s apparently still up in the air. [<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/will-free-agent-maroon-stay-home-with-blues/article_1b92402a-1efc-5ea3-8b9e-5c6c91571cd2.html">STL Today</a>]</li>
<li id="7DPbsS">More upheaval in a historic NCAA hockey conference. [<a href="https://thegopherhockeyblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/blog-college-hockey-realignment-wcha-schools-leaving-alaska-alabama-huntsville.html">Gopher hockey blog</a>]</li>
</ul>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/7/2/20678507/islanders-news-free-agency-robin-lehner-anders-lee-varlamovDominik2019-07-01T22:06:13-04:002019-07-01T22:06:13-04:00Isles Buzz Podcast: The Captain Returns
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<img alt="NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-New York Islanders at Carolina Hurricanes" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5rTuqpLboSw5nfEosIrxoKWktx4=/0x0:4852x3235/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64657694/usa_today_12638975.5.jpg" />
<figcaption>James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Goalie Carousel Continues</p> <p id="EIf5FM">July 1st has not been kind to the New York Islanders in recent years. From the departures of Kyle Okposo, Frans Nielsen and John Tavares to today, where the Islanders were spurned by Artemi Panarin, who took less money to sign with the Rangers.</p>
<p id="e3p02n">The Islanders were able to come to an agreement with Anders Lee as the captain signed a seven-year, $49 million contract.</p>
<p id="qmanWZ"></p>
<div id="02LUVz">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/XLn3Sh4eWf">https://t.co/XLn3Sh4eWf</a></p>— Anders Lee (@leeberr09) <a href="https://twitter.com/leeberr09/status/1145792238619942912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2019</a>
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<p id="fGZyyb">The goalie carousel continues for the Islanders as Robin Lehner leaves for Chicago on a one-year deal. Enter Seymon Varlamov, who signed a four-year deal and will likely provide a bridge to Ilya Sorokin.</p>
<div id="Z1LpNP"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://playlist.megaphone.fm?p=VMP3248194988" width="100%" height="482"></iframe></div>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/7/1/20678339/isles-buzz-the-captain-anders-lee-returnsNoel Fogelman2019-07-01T21:32:48-04:002019-07-01T21:32:48-04:00New York Islanders Sign Semyon Varlamov for Four Years, $20 Million
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<img alt="Colorado Avalanche v New York Islanders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2v6kr9qwDHMzVkROslTmG1EcGao=/0x169:3000x2169/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64656956/1128519007.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>And of course you already know Uncle Leo quite well... | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>At $5 million per year, he’ll replace Robin Lehner, who signed for one year in Chicago?</p> <p id="HdXr84">The <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a> announced two transactions at the end of the day that are curious yet were widely expected for a day or more: <span>Tom Kuhnhackl</span> (which broke a <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/6/29/19917201/tom-kuhnhackl-new-york-islanders-resigning">couple of days ago</a>) and <span>Semyon Varlamov</span>, a free agent goalie who is coming off a struggling year with the <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Colorado Avalanche</a>.</p>
<p id="ORcK6b">The <a href="https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/varlamov-agrees-to-terms-on-a-four-year-contract/c-308153174">Varlamov deal is for four years</a> — we later learned at an average of $5 million per season — and was talked about among the hockey press for at least a day. For some reason, that’s how the Islanders landed on their next goalie while their incumbent Vezina finalist <span>Robin Lehner</span>, who is younger and coming off a much better season, <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/7/1/20677975/nhl-free-agency-robin-lehner-new-york-islanders-chicago-blackhawks-semyon-varlamov">signed for just one year with the Chicago Blackhawks</a>.</p>
<p id="WWdJke">It’s been a strange day.</p>
<div id="0h8sfN">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="ht" dir="ltr">Varlamov:<br>2019-20 $6 M<br>2020-21 $4M<br>2021-22 $6 M <br>2022-23 $4 M <a href="https://t.co/zZx14weu6r">https://t.co/zZx14weu6r</a></p>— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) <a href="https://twitter.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1145834139356205058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2019</a>
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<p id="bgxHbJ">No-trade clause in Years 1 and 2, 16-team list in 3 and 4, too:</p>
<div id="kegRMG">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Semyon Varlamov's 4 year / $20,000,000 contract with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Islanders?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Islanders</a> includes a Full NTC in years 1 and 2, and then it turns into a Modified NTC (16 team No Trade list) in years 3 and 4. <a href="https://t.co/nxT4B5cZoY">https://t.co/nxT4B5cZoY</a> <a href="https://t.co/ypso2o7K6W">pic.twitter.com/ypso2o7K6W</a></p>— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) <a href="https://twitter.com/CapFriendly/status/1145889948266053632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2019</a>
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<p id="ItI7rG">Varlamov was a Vezina finalists back in 2013-14, which is <em>six seasons</em> ago — and it’s a shock to think the former Capital was with the Avalanche for eight seasons.</p>
<p id="Dqdoca">He is 31 now and coming off his second sub-par season (.909 save percentage in 49 games) in his last three years. But even last season he showed the ability to be very good in stretches, so there’s hope that good health and guidance from the Islanders goalie coaching staff can help right the ship.</p>
<p id="UmvP03">Still, it’s puzzling why the Islanders take on the risk, for this amount of term, rather than renew with <span>Lehner</span>. </p>
<p id="4kXpPq"><em>UPDATE: Here is Lehner explaining his view on how negotiations fell apart:</em></p>
<div id="5nJ31n">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here are Robin Lehner's full comments on how things went down with the Islanders. Not a good look. <a href="https://t.co/N18Oot20x5">pic.twitter.com/N18Oot20x5</a></p>— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenPopeCST/status/1145847336847007745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2019</a>
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<p id="Yxwu6B">That brings us to the working theory for going for Varlamov: that it’s part of a bridge to KHL star and championship-winning goalie <span><strong>Ilya Sorokin</strong></span>, who is a good friend of Varlamov’s and has expressed interest in coming to the NHL when his current KHL contract expires after next season. The Islanders hold Sorokin’s rights, and he will only turn 24 this summer. Sorokin could very well be their goalie of the future.</p>
<p id="CQxFjU">That has upside but also its own level of risk, since KHL goalie success does not always translate to the NHL. But Lou Lamoriello likes to make big bets on his goalies. For whatever reason, Varlamov — and <span>Sergei Bobrovsky</span>, the target earlier this week who signed with Florida — fits Lou’s strategy. Apparently, <span>Lehner</span> does not, even at the same price and shorter term.</p>
<h4 id="b0277v">Domestic Violence Case</h4>
<p id="OwmIwu">There is one other serious item to note here, which you may have seen referenced on social media or elsewhere: Varlamov was accused of domestic violence by his former girlfriend in 2013. The prosecutor declined to press charges, citing lack of evidence (but pointing out that <em>doesn’t mean</em> they didn’t believe her.) A civil case on the matter actually went to a jury trial. <a href="https://www.foxsports.com/nhl/story/colorado-avalanche-goalie-semyon-varlamov-accused-of-domestic-violence-by-ex-girlfriend-wins-civil-case-judgment-020216">The result was that jurors <em>awarded Varlamov</em> $126,608</a> in damages on an abuse of process claim after his attorneys argued the woman was trying to get a payout and evidence did not support her claims. However, her attorney said the court kept them from providing ample evidence. </p>
<p id="du5wlx">You <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/2016/2/2/10861236/semyon-varlamov-civil-suit-verdict">can read more about the whole sorry saga here</a>.</p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/7/1/20678033/new-york-islanders-semyon-varlamov-four-years-contractDominik2019-07-01T21:29:28-04:002019-07-01T21:29:28-04:00Goodbye and thanks: Lehner signs with Blackhawks after Islanders ‘ultimatum’
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<img alt="Toronto Maple Leafs v New York Islanders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pmYOZhCrVVllKAFYFGM1yZiFIfA=/0x0:4856x3237/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64656824/1128846831.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Goodbye, big man. And good luck. | Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Thus concludes an amazing, inspiring storybook year. Semyon Varlamov takes his place.</p> <p id="nuWJ8u">Years later we are going to look back at the <span>Robin Lehner</span> story with awe, nostalgia and a feeling that it all passed in the blink of an eye, and ended almost nonsensically.</p>
<p id="7eZqEm">The Vezina finalist, Jennings and Masterton trophies-winning goalie is leaving the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a> , who were chasing other goalies all week. But get this: it’s for only a <a href="https://twitter.com/TSNBobMcKenzie/status/1145810988052205568">one-year, $5 million</a> free agent contract with the <a href="https://www.secondcityhockey.com/">Chicago Blackhawks</a>.</p>
<p id="yaNByG"><span>Lehner</span>’s exit wasn’t exactly by his own design. He consistently professed interest in staying with the Islanders — even waiting to even talk to other teams — <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/6/28/19102789/robin-lehner-new-york-islanders-free-agency">but for a variety of reasons</a> the Islanders’ budget and his own asking price or term never matched up, or at least never matched up when push came to shove.</p>
<p id="fEptoG"> <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F1058105%2F2019%2F07%2F01%2Fhow-the-islanders-winding-path-through-free-agency-led-them-back-to-anders-lee%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lighthousehockey.com%2F2019%2F7%2F1%2F20677975%2Fnhl-free-agency-robin-lehner-new-york-islanders-chicago-blackhawks-semyon-varlamov" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Arthur Staple reported at the Athletic this afternoon</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="mc5Bly">According to a league source, <span>Lehner</span> was willing to take two years at around $6 million rather than something longer term, but the Isles weren’t interested and then cut off talks earlier this week when the Panarin/Varlamov duo surfaced as a real possibility.</p></blockquote>
<p id="HFM6mi">Meanwhile, the deal he finally reached with Chicago was for one less year. Some of this may be just the timing of free agent offers and signings, which is exacerbated by the musical chairs that goalies face with limited openings this time of year.</p>
<p id="i0x5Es">UPDATE: Lehner explained his view of how negotiations fell apart:</p>
<div id="zE6u8B">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here are Robin Lehner's full comments on how things went down with the Islanders. Not a good look. <a href="https://t.co/N18Oot20x5">pic.twitter.com/N18Oot20x5</a></p>— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenPopeCST/status/1145847336847007745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2019</a>
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<p id="bkZrZU">He also tweeted a thank you to fans:</p>
<div id="Sv7MSA">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thanks for an amazing year <a href="https://twitter.com/NYIslanders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYIslanders</a> I wish everyone in that organization the best moving forward. Thanks to all the amazing fans who have supported me this year. You guys very special and I’ll never forget this year. Looking forward to my new journey with <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLBlackhawks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NHLBlackhawks</a></p>— Robin Lehner (@RobinLehner) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobinLehner/status/1145862451336028160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2019</a>
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<p id="kNRU00">That’s: </p>
<blockquote><p id="6vp8Py">Thanks for an amazing year <a href="https://twitter.com/NYIslanders">@NYIslanders</a> I wish everyone in that organization the best moving forward. Thanks to all the amazing fans who have supported me this year. You guys very special and I’ll never forget this year. Looking forward to my new journey with <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLBlackhawks">@NHLBlackhawks</a></p></blockquote>
<p id="ZV5pCT">So as fans considering how the Islanders handled this negotiation, we are left to say <s>WTF?</s>, thank you, and farewell.</p>
<p id="5q65Wi">Lehner was signed almost as an afterthought, a “well, why not?” reclamation project after struggling in Buffalo and taking a leave of absence there at the end of the 2017-18 season.</p>
<p id="XV8FZS">But then on the eve of camp he courageously came out with a first-person column explaining his own battles with alcohol addiction, mental health, and the medical care and team who helped him better understand himself and begin the path to recovery.</p>
<p id="Vtxo6E">Then he proceeded to have an outstanding season, as part of a league-best tandem with <span>Thomas Greiss</span>.</p>
<p id="9tsukb">All along the way, he continued his campaign to raise awareness for mental health and addiction support, to encourage others like him to seek help — all while recognizing that he was a lucky one, he had support from the NHL’s program, and thus he used the opportunity and platform to bang this drum.</p>
<p id="rYUfVq">As far as his wild and wonderful year with the Islanders goes, then, it culminated at the 2019 NHL awards ceremony, <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/6/19/18692275/nhl-awards-2019-robin-lehners-bill-masterton-trophy-fight-stigma">where he accepted his Masterton trophy with grace</a> and concise, <a href="https://twitter.com/BradyTrett/status/1141516699444764672">meaningful remarks</a>, including: </p>
<p id="QHf5MU">“<em>I’m not ashamed to say I’m mentally ill, but that doesn’t mean mentally weak.”</em></p>
<div id="S2tWlv">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Powerful words from Robin Lehner to close out his Bill Masterton speech <a href="https://t.co/NVFjacTnxE">pic.twitter.com/NVFjacTnxE</a></p>— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) <a href="https://twitter.com/BradyTrett/status/1141516699444764672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2019</a>
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<p id="oQJQhx">March on, Robin! And be good to him, Hawks fans.</p>
<h4 id="kp1vU6">Now What?</h4>
<p id="A5Fax4">Meanwhile, in the Islanders’ free agency activity, the obvious question is: Who replaces Lehner in the crease? During the listening window, the Islanders were consistently connected to <span>Semyon Varlamov</span>, which Staple reiterated in the story linked above. As this post was going live, the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/varlamov-agrees-to-terms-on-a-four-year-contract/c-308153174">Islanders announced a four-year deal</a> with the former <a href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Capitals</a> and <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Avalanche</a> goalie.</p>
<p id="BFfB9V">Go figure.</p>
<p id="voa753">The theory: That’s potentially a fit for a tandem with <span>Greiss</span>, but also: Varlamov and KHL star <span>Ilya Sorokin</span> are good friends. Sorokin’s NHL rights are held by the Islanders, and his current KHL contract reportedly has just one season left to go.</p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/7/1/20677975/nhl-free-agency-robin-lehner-new-york-islanders-chicago-blackhawks-semyon-varlamovDominik2019-07-01T16:46:17-04:002019-07-01T16:46:17-04:00[Updated] Anders Lee Re-Signs with New York Islanders
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<img alt="Columbus Blue Jackets v New York Islanders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/42mTN7RDhQehe0feh9ftzlJwTTg=/0x135:3000x2135/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64656295/1135527728.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Captain in the house. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Seven years, a total of $49 million. Whew!</p> <p id="9trfYu">It didn’t proceed how anyone expected, but in the end <span>Anders Lee</span> is staying with the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a>.</p>
<p id="bIrMwQ">After <s>meeting with</s> hearing from other teams — while the Islanders chased but failed in a bid to land <span>Artemi Panarin</span> for more money — <span>Lee</span> agreed to terms with the only NHL team he’s known.</p>
<p id="taepyW">He’s looking like a lifer now.</p>
<div id="xEBlwj">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/XLn3Sh4eWf">https://t.co/XLn3Sh4eWf</a></p>— Anders Lee (@leeberr09) <a href="https://twitter.com/leeberr09/status/1145792238619942912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2019</a>
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<p id="tZ7sHb"><em>UPDATE: Lee’s agent tweeted a clarification about how he approached the entire situation, including making sure he worked on things with the Isles that would allow them to pursue another big fish:</em></p>
<div id="WQt1wL">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Anders Lee never left the NYIslanders. We did not “negotiate” with teams as Anders wanted to stay with the <a href="https://twitter.com/NYIslanders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYIslanders</a>. There was much interest and his $7M AAV allows Lou Lamoriello to pursue players who can help the Islanders win. Anders was staying with-or-without Panarin. <a href="https://t.co/8SPutmloDH">https://t.co/8SPutmloDH</a></p>— NEIL SHEEHY (@ICEHockeyAgent) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICEHockeyAgent/status/1145853526826000385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2019</a>
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<div id="tOVMrp">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">There was NEVER a moment on this FA Day where it was even a possibility that Anders Lee was going to leave <a href="https://twitter.com/NYIslanders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYIslanders</a> no matter what else happened. This type of “FAKE NEWS” fries my bananas! Anders Lee said the most important quality in a teammate is “LOYALTY” and he meant it.</p>— NEIL SHEEHY (@ICEHockeyAgent) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICEHockeyAgent/status/1145859727550746624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2019</a>
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<p id="nsFWa3">For the Twitter averse, that is Lee’s agent Neil Sheehy saying:</p>
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<p id="oONwCu">Anders Lee never left the NYIslanders. We did not “negotiate” with teams as Anders wanted to stay with the @<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhootsuite.com%2Fdashboard%23&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lighthousehockey.com%2F2019%2F7%2F1%2F20677905%2Fanders-lee-re-signs-new-york-islanders-free-agent-millions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">NYIslanders</a>. There was much interest and his $7M AAV allows Lou Lamoriello to pursue players who can help the Islanders win. Anders was staying with-or-without Panarin.</p>
<p id="LkvUPJ">There was NEVER a moment on this FA Day where it was even a possibility that Anders Lee was going to leave @NYIslanders no matter what else happened. This type of “FAKE NEWS” fries my bananas! Anders Lee said the most important quality in a teammate is “LOYALTY” and he meant it.</p>
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<p id="OhD4lG">The reported terms are a seven-year deal and $49 million. That’s an average annual value of $7 million per — pricey given the aging curve but palatable for what he can be expected to add, especially in the first years of the deal.</p>
<p id="amWZ36">The difference all season long as reported by Arthur Staple was on term, not money. Once the calendar turned to July, the sides could no longer do an eight-year deal. So that shaves one year off a max offer, though seven years is still a healthy commitment for a net-front forward who will turn 29 in a couple of days.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The salary will actually fluctuate by it's $7 M AAV x 7 years <a href="https://t.co/PI5h5SYird">https://t.co/PI5h5SYird</a></p>— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) <a href="https://twitter.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1145793177477099520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2019</a>
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<p id="BsT0Yc">Also of some possible relief, earlier in the day the rumor was that Lee’s asking price was $9 million AAV — though perhaps that was on a shorter deal from other teams — so coming in $2 million lower than that feels, somehow, like a win.</p>
<p id="ymB7Fl">The <a href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/">Montreal Canadiens</a> were reportedly chasing Lee, but <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/7/1/20677669/nhl-free-agency-sebastian-aho-offer-sheet-anders-lee-islanders">their offer sheet to Carolina’s Sebastian Aho</a> would’ve at least temporarily complicated things.</p>
<p id="g8TTrC">And that brings us to something else: How often does a top free agent make it to July 1...only to then re-sign with his existing/near-former team? So cheers to Lee and the Islanders for getting it done, at what appears to be fair for both sides.</p>
<p id="h9Ymid">So here we are. Facing an offseason with key free agents and needing upgrades, the Islanders have at least managed most of the former by retaining Lee, <span>Brock Nelson</span> and <span>Jordan Eberle</span>.</p>
<p id="1RQlRe">To be continued. The Islanders still need to solidify (or announce, with rumors pointing to <span>Semyon Varlamov</span>) their next goalie.</p>
<div id="9gvh6A">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">After re-signing Anders Lee to a 7yr 7M AAV, the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Islanders?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Islanders</a> now have $13,653,334 in projected cap space, with a roster of 21 (13F/7D/1G)<br><br>Remaining RFA's:<br>Anthony Beauvillier<br>Michael Dal Colle<br>Joshua Ho-Sang<a href="https://t.co/Kv73KcV1JG">https://t.co/Kv73KcV1JG</a> <a href="https://t.co/7YD5HVaYpn">pic.twitter.com/7YD5HVaYpn</a></p>— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) <a href="https://twitter.com/CapFriendly/status/1145793541182042113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2019</a>
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https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/7/1/20677905/anders-lee-re-signs-new-york-islanders-free-agent-millionsDominik2019-07-01T16:29:06-04:002019-07-01T16:29:06-04:00NHL Free Agency: the Sebastian Aho offer sheet and Anders Lee
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<img alt="Carolina Hurricanes v New York Islanders - Game One" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OtH8NngAuApg_NjRSERcyrqj0e0=/0x0:2717x1811/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64655693/1145354755.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>“Hey, you cut me off.” | Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Islanders captain has options, but Montreal’s offer sheet to the Hurricanes RFA affects one of them.</p> <p id="vlzo3p">After Monday afternoon’s first major wave of free agent signings — most of which were <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/6/30/20661073/nhl-free-agency-signings-teams-pavelski-zuccarello-panarin-bobrovsky">already leaked the night before</a> — settled, <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a> captain <span>Anders Lee</span> was the top unrestricted free agent forward on the market who had yet to sign.</p>
<p id="q6QnO8">Sometimes that means you’ve missed a shot on the game of musical chairs. But it appeared <span>Lee</span> still had options.</p>
<p id="seWMYK">Like fellow Islanders free agent <span>Robin Lehner</span>, Lee always expressed a desire to remain with the Islanders, though season-long negotiations left the two sides still not finding common ground. As other signings were completed and cap space consumed, the choices for Lee (and the Islanders, who <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/7/1/20659873/free-agency-islanders-rangers-artemi-panarin-anders-lee">swung and missed on Artemi Panarin</a>) became a little clearer.</p>
<p id="6xMgtO">We don’t know what numbers Lee was chasing — though at one point word was it approached $9 million per year — but we did know which teams could still fit him in.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Told that Islanders have circled back to Anders Lee, who holds every bit of leverage.</p>— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYP_Brooksie/status/1145737052820033538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">All signs point towards the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Habs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Habs</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> battling for Anders Lee</p>— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) <a href="https://twitter.com/andystrickland/status/1145754211151437825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The bigger winner on Day 1 is going to be Anders Lee as one team that is now desperate to keep him and another team that is desperate to add *somebody* with all of that salary cap space burning a hole in its pocket get into a bidding war for him.</p>— Adam Gretz (@AGretz) <a href="https://twitter.com/AGretz/status/1145757371832197121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2019</a>
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<p id="xNJ3oP">The <a href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/">Canadiens</a> had been one of the teams connected to Lee as soon as it became clear he would reach July 1 without an agreement from the Islanders. In the meantime, other teams mentioned like the <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Avalanche</a> and <a href="https://www.hockeywilderness.com/">Wild</a> signed other forwards who consumed cap and roster space. (The Wild could <a href="https://twitter.com/CapFriendly/status/1145758436916903937">still fit Lee after signing Mats Zuccarello</a>, but it sounded like they were out. The Avalanche still could too, though they have some RFAs to deal with including a tricky one in <span>Mikko Rantanen</span>)</p>
<p id="k6Bqtz">Complicating things: mid-afternoon on July 1, the Canadiens announced they had <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadiensMTL/status/1145764410138464256">tendered an offer sheet to (the other) Sebastian Aho</a> of the <a href="https://www.canescountry.com/">Carolina Hurricanes</a>. That ties up considerable potential salary cap space ($8.45 million per year, though the actual pay out is tons of money up front), which could mean there is no room for Lee unless he waits to learn whether the Hurricanes match.</p>
<p id="BKhh6q">It’s a smart move from the Canadiens though: Compensation would not be the crazy, all-out four first-round picks, so the real squeeze here is whether the Hurricanes, who notoriously stick to budget, can stomach so much money up front in the deal. (In that way, it’s just like when the <a href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Flyers</a> offer sheeted <span>Shea Weber</span>, front-loading to put the squeeze on small-budget Nashville.)</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Compensation is a first round pick, a second round and a third pick if the <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLCanes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NHLCanes</a> don’t match the <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadiensMTL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CanadiensMTL</a> offer of 5 years / $8.45M AAV to Sebastian Aho.</p>— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) <a href="https://twitter.com/renlavoietva/status/1145770176757022728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hearing that the Habs first discussed the offer sheet scenario involving Brayden Point but then shifted gears to Sebastian Aho after thinking they'd have a better chance to get the player. Both Point and Aho are represented by agent Gerry Johansson.</p>— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) <a href="https://twitter.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1145770562150699009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Waddell on offer sheet: "It's certainly a surprise, it's a surprise it wasn't more. Literally we got the email at 2:40 today so all people are not fully aware yet."</p>— Sara Civ (@SaraCivian) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaraCivian/status/1145770994113683457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2019</a>
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<p id="9GXiOj">But back to Lee, you see the argument here: He is the top unrestricted free agent forward left, he’s had a number (be it AAV or term) in mind that the Islanders haven’t met all season long, so now it’s about whether an alternative team can meet that and/or how much less he’s willing to take from the Islanders to stay.</p>
<p id="2pDmRi">There’s also the added insult, or at least tough “it’s a business” news to swallow, that the Islanders put him on the backburner so that they could chase a different free agent, at a much higher salary, who eventually signed with the crosstown rivals instead.</p>
<p id="QyCsNE">And what if the Hurricanes don’t match? Would they and Lee consider one another? Would other teams — Colorado, for example — “circle back” with Lee? Could he find interest from one of the several other teams that still have the cap space?</p>
<p id="iZVgtd">No telling where this ends, of course. Ultimately Lee may not get the numbers he was seeking, but he’s still in a position to choose. Especially if he’s willing to let the team that named him captain squirm.</p>
<h4 id="3TwmAH">UPDATE: Deal imminent?</h4>
<p id="IehXTR">Around 4:20 EDT there was this from Arthur Staple. Something may be near, whether here or there.</p>
<div id="4HF4kV">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sounds like Anders Lee is nearing a deal... Wouldn't surprise me if he's back wearing the 'C' for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a>, but we shall see shortly</p>— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) <a href="https://twitter.com/StapeAthletic/status/1145789782695522304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2019</a>
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<h4 id="swyIbX">P.S. More Offer Sheets Coming?</h4>
<p id="MJE7tc">Meanwhile, there has bene scuttlebutt all summer that maybe Lou Lamoriello would go big on an offer sheet, such as to Mitch Marner of the Leafs. Hard to see how that is worthwhile or would work — the Leafs have just enough space, and can afford any bonus structure imaginable — but we can’t discuss this without mentioning the possibility.</p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/7/1/20677669/nhl-free-agency-sebastian-aho-offer-sheet-anders-lee-islandersDominik