DEAL ACCEPTED: New York Islanders Captain Anders Lee Signs a 4-year Contract that worth $105 Million With the Edmonton Oilers And… 

New York Islanders Captain Anders Lee Signs a 4-year Contract that worth $105 Million With the Edmonton Oilers And…

In one of the most surprising and high-stakes moves of the NHL offseason, New York Islanders captain Anders Lee has signed a massive four-year, $105 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers. The deal, confirmed early Thursday morning by both teams, marks the end of an era in New York and the beginning of a bold new chapter in Edmonton.

Lee, 34, spent his entire 13-year NHL career with the Islanders before hitting free agency this summer. While fans in Long Island had hoped the veteran forward would retire in blue and orange, Lee instead made a stunning decision to chase a championship out west — and join a team already loaded with offensive firepower.

> “It wasn’t an easy decision,” Lee told reporters in a video statement released on social media. “I love New York, and I’ll always be grateful for my time there. But after a lot of thought and conversation with my family, I felt it was time for a new challenge — and Edmonton just felt right.”

Edmonton Goes All In

The Oilers, still riding the high of back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances, now add a proven leader with size, scoring ability, and playoff experience to their already potent roster. Anders Lee is expected to slot into a top-six forward role, likely alongside either Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl — two of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons.

General Manager Ken Holland made no secret of the team’s aggressive offseason strategy.

> “This is a win-now moment for us,” Holland said in a press conference Thursday afternoon. “Anders brings the kind of leadership, grit, and goal-scoring that can push a great team over the top. We believe he’s the piece that gets us closer to a Stanley Cup.”

Lee, who tallied 27 goals and 19 assists in 77 games last season, is known for his net-front presence and clutch performances in big games. His physical style of play and locker room leadership were key elements during the Islanders’ playoff runs in the early 2020s, including back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances in 2020 and 2021.

Shock and Heartbreak in New York

For Islanders fans, the news came as a gut punch.

Lee has been the face of the franchise since taking over the captaincy in 2018, and his departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the team’s modern history. As soon as the news broke, fans took to social media to share both thanks and heartbreak.

On X (formerly Twitter), lifelong fan @IslandersFaithful wrote, “Hard to imagine the team without #27. Thank you, Anders. You gave us everything.”

Others expressed disappointment in the team’s front office for not locking Lee down sooner. Rumors had circulated for weeks that contract talks between Lee and the Islanders had stalled, but few believed he would leave outright — especially for a Western Conference rival.

Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello issued a brief statement acknowledging the departure.

> “We thank Anders for his years of service, leadership, and dedication to the organization. He will always be part of the Islanders family, and we wish him continued success.”

A Championship Run in Sight?

In Edmonton, the mood is much different. The Oilers now boast one of the most intimidating forward groups in the league, and the front office is clearly pushing its chips to the center of the table.

With McDavid, Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and now Lee, Edmonton looks primed to make another deep postseason run — and perhaps finally bring the Stanley Cup back to Alberta for the first time since 1990.

> “I’m here to win,” Lee said bluntly. “I know what this team is capable of, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help us get there.”

Oilers fans welcomed the news with open arms, packing local sports bars and team stores within hours of the announcement. Lee jerseys began flying off the shelves almost immediately.

What’s Next?

Lee is expected to arrive in Edmonton next week for his official team introduction and to begin offseason workouts. He’ll wear No. 27 — the same number he wore in New York — and is expected to serve as an alternate captain under McDavid.

As for the Islanders, they now face the challenge of finding a new identity — and a new captain — heading into the 2025–26 season.

But for Anders Lee, the mission is clear:

> “New city, new challenge, same goal — bring home the Cup.”

And in Edmonton, the belief is stronger than ever: that time might finally be now.