Anders Lee Islanders

Jan 9, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

New York Islanders captain Anders Lee has suffered an upper-body injury that will sideline him between one and two weeks, the team announced on Wednesday. 

The team was hitting the ice for just their fourth day of training camp when the news of Lee’s absence was made known.

It suddenly puts the start of the 2025-26 regular season in jeopardy for the 35-year-old veteran winger, who is preparing for his 14th season with the Islanders. His 841 games rank ninth in team history, while his 289 goals rank sixth.

Lee is coming off a bounce-back campaign in which he scored 29 goals with 25 assists. It was his most productive season since scoring 40 goals in 2017-18, and it further indicates that he can still produce in a middle-six role. 

But now, while he recovers, Lee is likely out of the question for the remainder of training camp and the preseason, which could impact his availability for the very start of the new year. This opens the door for 20-year-old Calum Ritchie, who was acquired from the Colorado Avalanche in the Brock Nelson trade, to make the team on opening night. 

The Islanders also announced that winger Max Tsyplakov is day-to-day for maintenance purposes. 

For more on Anders Lee and the Islanders, visit AMNY.com