NHL Rumors: Islanders GM Makes Surprising Statement On Anders Lee Contract Extension
The 35-year-old captain is in the final year of his seven-season deal at a $7 million cap hit and is eligible for unrestricted free agency next July. Darche stressed there is no urgency on either side and that he wants a full evaluation of the roster before committing new term or dollars.
“I said to him, ‘Let’s start the year and see where it goes,’” Darche said. “There’s no urgency on his side, on my side. He’s the captain of our team, and I really like the individual”
— Benchrates (@benchrates) September 7, 2025
This pause in negotiations with Lee is logical, since most likely, Anders does not yet know… https://t.co/ntl0e2Tdnn pic.twitter.com/WWAk91jxz4
That approach fits Darche’s first months on the job. He arrived in late May, navigated the combine, draft, free agency, five arbitration-eligible RFAs, and a major decision on Noah Dobson that turned into a trade for two first-round picks and forward Emil Heineman.
He made clear he is not embarking on a teardown. He prefers to retool around a core he believes can make the playoffs under Patrick Roy, while building out the front office and analytics group.
How 35-plus rules could shape an Anders Lee extension
Any Anders Lee contract would fall under the NHL’s 35-plus provisions if it starts after June 30 when he is 35. One-year 35-plus deals can include performance bonuses that may push costs into a future season as overage if a team hits the cap.
Multi-year 35-plus contracts cannot use those bonuses, and structures with later-year signing bonuses or step-down salaries can create cap complications if a player retires early or is buried. That is why a shorter term in the two to three year range at a lower AAV than his current number sounds most realistic.
The size of that haircut will hinge on Lee’s form this season after his 29-goal rebound.
Why Islanders traded Noah Dobson, not rebuilding, Patrick Roy, more: Catching up with GM Mathieu Darche. Latest for @TheAthletic ⤵️ https://t.co/xnWvcDcKWw
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) September 6, 2025
Darche’s stance also lowers risk. If Lee scores, drives the net front, and remains a steady voice in the room, the Islanders retain him on their terms. If age curves start to bite, they keep flexibility.
Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
