New York Islanders lose Anders Lee for the season with torn ACL; time hit the trade market

Anthony Scultore |

Mar 17, 2021

Mar 11, 2021; Uniondale, New York, USA; New York Islanders center Anders Lee (27) is helped off the ice by right wing Jordan Eberle (7) after being injured against the New Jersey Devils during the first period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Islanders announced captain Anders Lee is out for the remainder of the season after tearing his ACL. According to the team, he will have surgery and be ready for the start of next season.

New York Islanders need to use LTIR to get a replacement

This is a huge loss for the Islanders who are considered a contender for the Stanley Cup. Anders Lee was the undisputed leader of the team and had 12 goals and 19 points on the year in 27 games.

There will be no replacing the 30 year-old winger from a leadership standpoint but there are options for them on the rental market. The biggest name is Taylor Hall and Lou Lamoriello needs to go after him now.

So I would think you will see Lamoriello dive in on rental wingers like Kyle Palmieri (if he doesn't re-sign), Taylor Hall, Mikael Grandlud, etc…
In other words, Lamoriello and former colleague Kyle Dubas might be dialling up similar phone numbers over the next 3-plus weeks… https://t.co/hgmQoQeg8l
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 17, 2021

Islanders must be aggressive on the trade market

taylor hall islanders — Feb 22, 2021; Uniondale, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Taylor Hall (4) has his shot blocked by New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov (40) while being checked by center Anders Lee (27) during the third period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

We noted recently that the Islanders may try to make a big move for Taylor Hall at the trade deadline. Now is the time for them to get it done.

Every forward option would be on the table, starting with Hall. He’s not having a great year, with two goals and 16 points, but he’s the most skilled winger who could be on the market. He has a history with Jordan Eberle, and while he’s not a Lee-style player, few are. Hall also has an expiring contract and could be a pure rental, though a costly one — if the Islanders announce Lee is out long-term, no one’s going to run to help Lamoriello.
Arthur Staple, The Athletic

Are the Islanders willing to part with the first round pick it will take to land Hall? That’s going to be the starting price and then Lou Lamoriello will have to add more if he wants him.

Two other names you can add to the mix are the Devils’ Kyle Palmieri, and the Blue Jackets’ Nick Foligno. Arthur Staple of The Athletic put together a list of 25 targets ranging from Hall to Zach Parise.

One thing appears certain, Lou Lamoriello has his eyes on the prize and will look to replace Lee’s scoring and bolster the Islanders chances come playoffs.

If Lamoriello is going to have to compete with the Maple Leafs on many of the players listed, the price on a Palmieri will escalate. That makes giving up a first round pick for Taylor Hall that much easier in my book.