The New York Islanders will travel to Newark and battle the New Jersey Devils in New York’s first game without captain Anders Lee this season.

Anders Lee Injury

Anders Lee has 12 goals and seven assists this season. He has been strong on both sides of the puck, posting a +12 and playing the final shifts of close games. He was rejuvenated after changing his offseason training regimen, focusing on speeding up his game as he ages.

Lee recorded an assist Thursday night before exiting with a lower-body injury. The Islanders announced yesterday Lee is out indefinitely and no further comment would be made.

#Isles announce Anders Lee (lower body) out indefinitely. No other update.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) March 12, 2021

Lee can be put on long-term injured reserve, giving the Islanders part or all of Lee’s $7 million cap hit and allowing them to potentially make a big trade. But before then, they have a game to play.

Islanders Head to Newark

The Islanders have won seven games in a row and will look to make it eight tonight in Newark. Ilya Sorokin started in net Thursday evening and earned a 5-3 victory, meaning Semyon Varlamov will most likely get the nod.

Up front, the Islanders have a large hole to fill on their top trio. There are many options.

Leo Komarov, Austin Czarnik and Kieffer Bellows are options to replace Lee. But they will not be playing in Lee’s spot on the first line. One of those players would likely slot on the third line with Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

Anthony Beauvillier could replace Lee and move up from the second line. Oliver Wahlstrom could move up from the third line. Even Michael Dal Colle, a grinder similar to Lee, could join Mathew Barzal and Jordan Eberle.

Barry Trotz has a big decision to make. This storyline will develop this afternoon.

David Lazar