Anders Lee
ON-ICE VALUE
Top-Six Forward
STRENGTHS
Net-Front Presence: Lee is one of the best net-crashers in the NHL. With his long reach and keen understanding of positioning, he always makes himself available as a target. He does a great job of establishing inside leverage, which also allows him to reach loose pucks before defenders do. There’s a reason he converts at such a high clip.
Size: His 6’3”, 235-pound frame comes in awfully handy in those net-front scenarios, but he’s very strong along the boards as well. He can shield the puck from defenders to extend the cycle or make the quiet but crucial link-up plays to transition from defense to offense.
Reliable: The veteran plays textbook big-body hockey. He battles in the trenches at both ends of the ice and doesn’t take shortcuts for offense. Coaches love him and teammates love playing with him because he makes their lives easier. Just a solid, positionally sound winger.
WEAKNESSES
Tunnel Vision: Though he has decent offensive tools, he doesn’t process the game very quickly. As such, he can latch onto one option and ride or die with it instead of surveying the ice. Since his decision-making isn’t great, he isn’t going to drive a line and shouldn’t be tasked with carrying the puck.
Shot: Lee knows his role and plays it well. There are few better net-front forwards in the sport. However, if teams can defend that aspect of his team’s offense, he can struggle to make an impact because his shot isn’t dangerous from a distance. He isn’t a threat unless he’s standing right in the opposition’s kitchen.
