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EDINA, Minn. — Anders Lee is excited for the slate to be wiped clean for the New York Islanders.

Lee expressed his thoughts on the previous year, stating, “We experienced numerous highs and lows, making it a turbulent season.” He shared these sentiments during a gathering at Da Beauty League, a summer league involving college and NHL players associated with Minnesota. Lee emphasized the thrill of embarking on another journey and welcoming fresh additions to the team. He viewed it as an excellent chance to excel and grow.

In the previous season, the New York team (39-27-16) secured a third-place position in the Metropolitan Division. However, their journey was cut short as they faced defeat in a five-game series against the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference First Round.

But that playoff spot was the result of a late season push, one that began after Patrick Roy was hired to replace Lane Lambert as coach on Jan. 20. At the time of the hiring, the Islanders were mired in a 1-5-1 stretch and sat in sixth place in the Metropolitan Division.

Lee stated that Patty’s entrance brought a remarkable intensity, focus, and energy that permeated our entire group. This infectious vibe propelled us forward, resulting in a fresh start as we commence the season. With a full offseason for everyone to acclimate and Patty leading us through training camp, we are poised and prepared to embark on our journey.

In my opinion, there are numerous exciting prospects to anticipate in that regard.

Lee is also looking forward to potentially playing alongside Anthony Duclair, who signed a four-year contract with New York on July 1. The 28-year-old forward, who had 42 points (24 goals, 18 assists) in 73 regular-season games for the Tampa Bay Lightning and San Jose Sharks last season, is expected to provide the Islanders with a much-needed scoring option while playing in a top-six role.

“Anthony’s arrival is a game-changer for us,” expressed Lee. “His exceptional speed and playmaking abilities add a significant dimension to our team. Moreover, his extensive experience and exposure to various hockey scenarios make him a highly valued addition to our locker room.”

However, given that the Islanders’ roster is expected to remain mostly unchanged from last season, Lee emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency as the primary focus.

He stated, “We have the ability to improve our approach, ensuring we don’t exhaust ourselves in the final months of the regular season just to secure a playoff spot. Achieving that is extremely challenging. Our goal is to prepare ourselves right from the beginning and maintain that momentum throughout all 82 games and into the playoffs.”

“We must demonstrate our self-improvement this year.”