The New York Islanders and captain Anders Lee could be headed for a split.
Lee's agent and Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche met Wednesday to discuss a new contract, but the two sides are far apart in negotiations, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun. As a result, Lee is reportedly prepared to test the open market July 1.
Lee just played out the final season of a seven-year, $49-million contract. He'll be an unrestricted free agent July 1.
The Islanders still intend to re-sign their captain, and it's possible things change before the start of free agency, LeBrun notes.
Lee has spent his entire 14-year NHL career with the Islanders, serving as captain for the last eight seasons. He ranks fifth in franchise history in games played (923) and fourth in goals (308).
The 35-year-old power forward recorded 19 goals and 42 points in 82 games last season.
