Anders Lee

[CaptDenisPotvin]

I wonder if he'll be considered for Tavares' LW to start next season. By September of 2014, we could have a lot of different options for that spot: Lee, Nelson, Bailey, maybe even Bennett. I don't see a real need to make another run at Vanek, or any high-priced player for that spot.

This is what I've been saying, I think we have enough up front without signing another forward. We have to realize our salary cap IS the cap floor, resouces should be focused on a defenseman and a STARTING goalie.....especially if Lee ends up being anywhere close to this productive next year, we should be fine.

 

[blinkman360]

I'd think it'd be between Lee, Nelson and Strome. Bailey doesn't deserve a shot at top-line. And I agree, no need for Vanek.. instead please, please, please plug the defense and goal tending holes.

I think if Strome were to be moved to wing, it would probably be RW. I doubt he'll be considered for that spot, but who knows. Not so sure about ruling Bailey out either. He's had a lot of success with Okposo in the past, and even Tavares in limited time. Plus they might want to go with that 'kiddie' line of Lee-Strome-Nelson, in which case the only options for that top LW spot would be Bailey, Grabner and our draft pick(if they deem him a possibility to make the jump right away... considering it will be a top-3 pick, I wouldn't rule it out).

I'd probably be in favor of these lines, or something similar next year:

Nelson - Tavares - Okposo
Lee - Strome - Callahan(yes, I'd give him that $6.25M+ deal)
Bailey - Nielsen - Grabner
Martin - Cizikas - Clutterbuck
x - McDonald; Boulton

I think we could do a lot worse than that up front. It will all come down to who our new HC is, and who we decide to bring in between the pipes. Not sure if much has to be done defensively other than bringing in a veteran depth guy. Maybe some kind of #5-7. I like how the young guys have stepped up lately, mainly de Haan and Hamonic, and I am sold on Reinhart making the jump next year as well. IMO our defense will quickly become a strength of this team, regardless of which signings or trades we make.

 

[Melanson]

Lee could easily be a better version of Moulson. Good scoring touch in front like MM but can skate and dig the pucks out of the corner. His rush to the net last night while holding the D-man off with one arm and making a perfect pass to Nielson was a true thing of beauty. That was a veteran play. Lee should be permanent-inked into the lineup for next season.

 

[redbull]

Lee could easily be a better version of Moulson. Good scoring touch in front like MM but can skate and dig the pucks out of the corner. His rush to the net last night while holding the D-man off with one arm and making a perfect pass to Nielson was a true thing of beauty. That was a veteran play. Lee should be permanent-inked into the lineup for next season.

Lee's been the biggest surprise for me this year, next to CDH.

I've been skeptical on Lee's upside but I'm pleasantly surprised and impressed with his game. That drive to the net really stood out for me as well. It's a play that Moulson NEVER makes and worse, never tries. It's a move that Comeau SHOULD have learned early on, he'd be a different player today if he'd learned that. It's a play that happens often on championship teams, like the LA Kings and very few NHL players are able to OR willing to make that play. It takes determination and strength and skill.

Lee goes to the net as well as anyone in hockey and is probably the best on the team in that respect - though Tavares (remember him) is also exceptional at driving the net (or stopping and curling!). Okposo's gotten MUCH better at that but is still inconsistent - though, overall, he's been outstanding this season.

I could see Lee-Tavares being an incredible duo

Something like:
Nelson - Tavares - Lee
Bailey - Strome - Okposo
Grabner - Nielsen - Clutterbuck

 

[burana800]

Lee could easily be a better version of Moulson. Good scoring touch in front like MM but can skate and dig the pucks out of the corner. His rush to the net last night while holding the D-man off with one arm and making a perfect pass to Nielson was a true thing of beauty. That was a veteran play. Lee should be permanent-inked into the lineup for next season.

Now that Nelson seems to be a regular NHLer this has to stop on this forum.

We have Frans Nielsen and Brock Nelson.

There never was Nielson even though based on this forum he is our decent two-way center man. Before we only had Nielsen so it was easy to know who this Nielson guy was.

PS. We also have Anders Nilsson

 

[LAPPY13]

Anders Lee just has a nose for the net and has great hands and size. Kid is a goal scorer! Skating and D-zone needs some work but looks much better than it had last season. Lee is a NHL power forward in the making and has a very bright future with Isles as a top 6 forward, scoring winger.

 

[The Underboss]

Really like what I am seeing from him.

 

[kasper11]

This is what I've been saying, I think we have enough up front without signing another forward. We have to realize our salary cap IS the cap floor, resouces should be focused on a defenseman and a STARTING goalie.....especially if Lee ends up being anywhere close to this productive next year, we should be fine.

I don't want to count on any of Lee/Nelson/Strome to be a top line player next year. Yes, we are seeing some good things. I am very happy with all of them at the moment. But it is a very small sample size.

If we have to choose, obviously I would prefer to sign a goaltender first, then a dman, but we should be looking for all three.

Go into next season with:
UFA-JT-Okposo
Lee-Nelson-Strome
Grabner-Nielsen-Bailey
Martin-Cizikas-Clutterbuck

I think that gives you a potentially dominant top line without counting on any young players taking another step we aren't ready for. I think that third line could be a good shut-down line, and one that can (potentially) add quite a bit of scoring. It just can't be counted on to provide all of the secondary scoring, but it should be enough to pick up the slack when the youngsters falter.

 

[blinkman360]

I don't want to count on any of Lee/Nelson/Strome to be a top line player next year. Yes, we are seeing some good things. I am very happy with all of them at the moment. But it is a very small sample size.

If we have to choose, obviously I would prefer to sign a goaltender first, then a dman, but we should be looking for all three.

Go into next season with:
UFA-JT-Okposo
Lee-Nelson-Strome
Grabner-Nielsen-Bailey
Martin-Cizikas-Clutterbuck

I think that gives you a potentially dominant top line without counting on any young players taking another step we aren't ready for. I think that third line could be a good shut-down line, and one that can (potentially) add quite a bit of scoring. It just can't be counted on to provide all of the secondary scoring, but it should be enough to pick up the slack when the youngsters falter.

Considering the amount of options, I think it's reasonable to expect someone to be able to make that jump. Especially when Nelson has already shown some big potential playing with Tavares and Okposo.

Assuming you draft 3rd overall and grab Bennett, you could have 4 or 5 legitimate options for that spot(Nelson, Lee, Bailey, Grabner, Bennett). I'd rather take my chances and hope someone claims that spot, and invest every available dime toward goaltending and D(obviously goaltending coming first).

One huge positive is that Tavares and even Okposo are so good that you could realistically get by with an unproven on that LW. Even a guy like Bailey could have success up there, even though I'm sure most would not like to imagine that scenario playing itself out.

 

[N Ireland Nets Fan]

Lee eats concrete for dinner and ***** coliseums.

hahaha I just spat our my dinner reading that, love it haha

 

[N Ireland Nets Fan]

Considering the amount of options, I think it's reasonable to expect someone to be able to make that jump. Especially when Nelson has already shown some big potential playing with Tavares and Okposo.

Assuming you draft 3rd overall and grab Bennett, you could have 4 or 5 legitimate options for that spot(Nelson, Lee, Bailey, Grabner, Bennett). I'd rather take my chances and hope someone claims that spot, and invest every available dime toward goaltending and D(obviously goaltending coming first).

One huge positive is that Tavares and even Okposo are so good that you could realistically get by with an unproven on that LW. Even a guy like Bailey could have success up there, even though I'm sure most would not like to imagine that scenario playing itself out.

The thing that stands out a mile with Lee is his size. He is a huge unit who is adding a lot to our forward lines due to his sheer size and willingness to screen the goalie at every opportunity, battle hard in the corners and most importantly drive to the net.

That got me thinking, wouldn't it be great if we finally got Petrov over to North America. Imagine adding Petrov, a 6'3 225lbs beast of a winger who skates well with good skills to our roster along with Lee.

Personally, I would love to go after Callahan to help bring all these kids along. We have to spend money somewhere, goalie is an obvious choice but Callahan would be a perfect 2nd line RW for us.

Nelson - Tavares - Okposo
Lee - Strome - Callahan
Grabner - Nielsen - Petrov
Bailey - Cizikas - Clutterbuck

That team is deep and all it would take is one free agent signing and one Russian a spot on the roster.

 

[Cavonnier]

Personally, I would love to go after Callahan to help bring all these kids along. We have to spend money somewhere, goalie is an obvious choice but Callahan would be a perfect 2nd line RW for us.

I've always been intrigued by the possibility of signing Callahan, partially for his experience and leadership ability and partially because I think it's possible if he isn't locked up by Tampa and if we through enough money and years his way. I really like your idea of putting him on a line with Lee and Strome. Lee and Strome already have a lot of chemistry, but it'd be a lot to ask two young players to carry a line that will need to provide secondary scoring. Callahan would help show them the ropes and chip in some scoring.

 

[doublechili]

Lee is looking like, dare I say, a John Leclair or Keith Primeau so far. It's still very early, but "power" and "forward" have not been used together on the Isles in quite a while. Size most definitely does matter. Still need more.

I'd also be willing to pay Callahan and slot him in as a top 6 RW. But, assuming as we must that the Isles will not add a vet forward over the summer and leaving aside Sam Reinhart being picked and NHL-ready, or the mythical Kirill Petrov riding in on a magic carpet, I'd spread the grit/talents out on the lines more like this:

Lee - JT - Strome
Bailey - Nielsen - Okposo
Grabner - Nelson - Clutterbuck
Martin - Cizikas - McDonald

I'd also tell Bailey that he HAS to spend the summer in JT's dungeon, and if he doesn't come back looking (more) like Okposo, he's going to Bridgeport.

 

[Hipster Doofus]

Id sign Cally if he brings his BFF Dubinsky along. Kill two birds in one stone. Duby has skill, speed, can play any position, and when he's got his adrenaline going plays like the opposing team ran over his dog. He'd give us a much needed vet with a swiss army knife skill set.

 

[scott99]

Lee could easily be a better version of Moulson. Good scoring touch in front like MM but can skate and dig the pucks out of the corner. His rush to the net last night while holding the D-man off with one arm and making a perfect pass to Nielson was a true thing of beauty. That was a veteran play. Lee should be permanent-inked into the lineup for next season.

Agree 100%. Been saying this for a while, despite the naysayers being worried about Lee's skating, I've been telling everyone, Lee is a goal scorer. Dont wory about his skating, don't worry bout his defense, let him be who he is, a power forward goal scorer. His skating has improved, and he has excellent hockey sense. Just like his co-rookie Nelson, you could tell Lee has received good coaching his whole career, he goes right to the front of the net after a faceoff. He just has a nose for the net. Put him on Tavares' wing, an he scores 30+ goals a season.

 

[scott99]

Lee is looking like, dare I say, a John Leclair or Keith Primeau so far. It's still very early, but "power" and "forward" have not been used together on the Isles in quite a while. Size most definitely does matter. Still need more.

I'd also be willing to pay Callahan and slot him in as a top 6 RW. But, assuming as we must that the Isles will not add a vet forward over the summer and leaving aside Sam Reinhart being picked and NHL-ready, or the mythical Kirill Petrov riding in on a magic carpet, I'd spread the grit/talents out on the lines more like this:

Lee - JT - Strome
Bailey - Nielsen - Okposo
Grabner - Nelson - Clutterbuck
Martin - Cizikas - McDonald

I'd also tell Bailey that he HAS to spend the summer in JT's dungeon, and if he doesn't come back looking (more) like Okposo, he's going to Bridgeport.

I don't want Bailey anywhere near the top 2 lines. Plus it might be too much to have TWO rookies on JT's line. I like Lee-JT-Okposo, Grabner-Nielsen-Strome (could be a dynamic offensive line), Bailey (if we are stuck with him)-Nelson-Clutterbuck and of course your 4th line. I'd love to get rid of Bailey though.

 

[IslesRock4]

Id sign Cally if he brings his BFF Dubinsky along. Kill two birds in one stone. Duby has skill, speed, can play any position, and when he's got his adrenaline going plays like the opposing team ran over his dog. He'd give us a much needed vet with a swiss army knife skill set.

I'm either going crazy or I've had to correct you or someone else on this in the past, but Dubinsky is not a free agent.

 

[Doshell Propivo]

plus it might be too much to have two rookies on jt's line.

might?

 

[MattMartin]

This is honestly one of the best photoshops I have done to date. I even was able to keep the scars on his face.

 

[doublechili]

I don't want Bailey anywhere near the top 2 lines. Plus it might be too much to have TWO rookies on JT's line. I like Lee-JT-Okposo, Grabner-Nielsen-Strome (could be a dynamic offensive line), Bailey (if we are stuck with him)-Nelson-Clutterbuck and of course your 4th line. I'd love to get rid of Bailey though.

Nah. That's the easy, automatic response IMO, but not necessarily correct. The Isles made the playoffs with Moulson and Boyes flanking JT. Lee and Strome would be a big upgrade over that, I don't care how old they are. When I think of JT's game and what kind of wingers would match well with him, I basically come up with Lee and Strome. And it's not like we're talking about two 18 year old kids fresh out of the draft. They appear to be NHL ready (or should be by October). IMO, besides being a great fit, JT would make room for them, and they'd make room for JT.

 

[Sparksrus3]

Lee has 1 less goal than Bailey in 55 less games. 55 less games. 55 less games. 55 less games. 55 less games. 55 less games. 55 less games. 55 less games. 55 less games . 55 less games.

 

[simbo042]

I've been skeptical on Lee's upside but I'm pleasantly surprised and impressed with his game. That drive to the net really stood out for me as well. It's a play that Moulson NEVER makes and worse, never tries. It's a move that Comeau SHOULD have learned early on, he'd be a different player today if he'd learned that. It's a play that happens often on championship teams, like the LA Kings and very few NHL players are able to OR willing to make that play. It takes determination and strength and skill.

Lee goes to the net as well as anyone in hockey and is probably the best on the team in that respect - though Tavares (remember him) is also exceptional at driving the net (or stopping and curling!). Okposo's gotten MUCH better at that but is still inconsistent - though, overall, he's been outstanding this season.

Lee is showing some serious talent for playing around the net and I love his size and his attacking instinct. After Lee and Nelson we need to find another 6ft+ prospect with size and strength and decent hands, one for every line perhaps?!

If Comeau had learnt that drive move rather than the orbit he could have been a force...he'd have had to learn to use his body too he shied from contact far too much. Having Lee and Nelson around and Okie performing makes me forget what Comeau could have been, but I'm still sad for Ullstrom...

Lee has 1 less goal than Bailey in 55 less games. 55 less games. 55 less games. 55 less games. 55 less games. 55 less games. 55 less games. 55 less games. 55 less games . 55 less games.

 

[Renbarg]

Lee is showing some serious talent for playing around the net and I love his size and his attacking instinct. After Lee and Nelson we need to find another 6ft+ prospect with size and strength and decent hands, one for every line perhaps?!

If Comeau had learnt that drive move rather than the orbit he could have been a force...he'd have had to learn to use his body too he shied from contact far too much. Having Lee and Nelson around and Okie performing makes me forget what Comeau could have been, but I'm still sad for Ullstrom...

Ullstrom is not gone yet. I'd bet he gets another shot sooner or later.

 

[sb24]

Ullstrom is not gone yet. I'd bet he gets another shot sooner or later.

Could try and trade for nino back?

 

[N Ireland Nets Fan]

Lee is showing some serious talent for playing around the net and I love his size and his attacking instinct. After Lee and Nelson we need to find another 6ft+ prospect with size and strength and decent hands, one for every line perhaps?!

If Comeau had learnt that drive move rather than the orbit he could have been a force...he'd have had to learn to use his body too he shied from contact far too much. Having Lee and Nelson around and Okie performing makes me forget what Comeau could have been, but I'm still sad for Ullstrom...

Kirill Petrov could be that guy. He's a 6'3 225lbs right winger with good hands and is a good skater.