Anders Lee on Injury Recovery, UBS Arena, Parise and More

Seeing Anders Lee on the ice in a New York Islanders jersey caused a bit of a stir on social media on Thursday morning.
Lee was posing for the cameras as part of the NHL's annual player media tour, but the reaction was understandable given it was the first time the Islanders captain was on the ice in uniform in six months.

It was a welcome sight for Islanders fans, who won't have to wait too much longer before they see Lee back on the ice playing. The Islanders captain, who suffered a torn ACL back on March 11, said his recovery is on track for the start of training camp.
"The recovery has gone as planned and still on track for everything to be done and finished off the right way," said Lee, who had started skating during the Islanders run to the semifinals over the summer. "I'm looking forward to camp to make sure that happens."

There's lots to look forward to for Lee, who had 19 points (12G, 7A) in 27 games prior to getting injured last season. The 31-year-old is eager to return to the ice and help the Islanders build off consecutive third round appearances and for the opening of
UBS Arena
, the team's new state-of-the-art arena, on Nov. 20.
"All of us players have been keeping tabs on the building and we've been looking forward to this for a long time," Lee said. "Getting in there in November will be an incredible time for everyone involved and everyone is working to get this building put together."
Lee said he's looking forward to the team facilities, which are slated to be a big upgrade from the undersized locker room at Nassau Coliseum, as well as the tight confines of the arena bowl, and the supporter section.
"Our space will be really nice, but you look at the building and for us being on the ice the fans are right on top of you," Lee said. "There are a lot of cool things this building has to offer and it'll create a great atmosphere for the team."
Of course, the Islanders will start with 13 games on the road ahead of the home opener on Nov. 20, but Lee doesn't necessarily see it as a negative. The Islanders have thrived over the past two seasons despite playing in the bubble, navigating the NHL's COVID-19 procedures or playing in empty arenas, so focus and adaptability aren't an issue. While the trip is long, Lee sees it as more of a return to normalcy considering everything that's happened in the past 18 months.
"You just have to overcome and go and play," Lee said. "To get on the road early is good to be with the guys and spend some extra time together on the road. At the end of the day, it is what it is and no matter what guys will be ready to go for each night.
"We're kind of looking at [this season] and approaching it like it's back to normal and a regular year," Lee added. "It'll be nice to travel and see some teams we haven't seen in a long time and have that regular schedule we've been used to."

PHOTOS: LEE AT NHL PLAYER MEDIA TOUR | DAY 2
The Islanders continuity will also help them navigate the marathon trip, as President and GM Lou Lamoriello was able to
re-sign the bulk of the team
from back-to-back trips to the semifinals. While Nick Leddy (traded to Detroit) and Jordan Eberle (selected by the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft) are gone,
restricted free agents
Adam Pelech, Anthony Beauvillier, Ilya Sorokin, as well as unrestricted free agents Kyle Palmieri and Casey Cizikas are all returning.
"Everyone involved from top to bottom has put in a lot of effort to get to this point and to make this a place where people don't want to leave," Lee said. "I don't think there's a better place in the NHL to play, so we're all as players in agreement there and right off the top you're starting in a good place."
While Eberle's loss guarantees Lee has a new linemate this season, the Isles captain said the group's familiarity with the Islanders style of play should help the transition for whoever winds up on his line.
"That's what camp is for and preseason and hopefully this thing slides in easily and I think it will," Lee said. "We'll figure it out the right way and it'll be a great year."
The Edina, MN, native also shared some excitement for the Islanders latest
signing in Zach Parise
. Parise was a star in the Minnesota youth hockey scene when Lee was growing up and after a long and accomplished career, Lee is looking forward to having Parise's veteran savvy on the Island.
"Zach's game speaks for itself," Lee said. "All the deep runs he's had in Jersey, the long career he's had, whether it's playing in the Olympics or anything in between, he's a veteran that knows what to do, how to do it and I'm looking forward to being his teammate."
Lee won't have to wait long, whether it's to meet a new teammate, reconnect with his current ones, or to have the labor of his recovery pay off. Training camp is a week away and the Isles captain is raring to go.