Anders Lee Seen Skating at TD Garden Ahead of Islanders, Bruins Game 5

The New York Islanders had a surprise guest on the ice at TD Garden during the team’s optional morning skate on Monday. As things were wrapping up, Anders Lee was seen skating on his own.

Lee has been sidelined with an ACL injury since March when the Islanders announced their captain would miss the rest of the 2021 season. Monday would mark the first time that Lee has been seen skating by members of the media since the injury.

#Isles captain Anders Lee back in his office in front of the net pic.twitter.com/KETEg84UBN

— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) June 7, 2021

While the news is encouraging, it does not mean that Anders Lee will be suiting anytime soon. Lee is not expected to be ready to play in games until next season.

Islanders head coach Barry Trotz reiterated that a few weeks ago when he was asked by a reporter if there had been any changes to the timeline for Lee’s return.

#Isles captain Anders Lee (right ACL) is skating on his own at one end at TD Garden at end of #Isles optional. Before you get too excited, remember Barry Trotz has said, a couple of times, he will not be ready in the postseason. But good sign he'll be fine for training camp.

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) June 7, 2021

Anders Lee suffered the ACL injury on March 11 in a game against the New Jersey Devils. Lee got tangled up with New Jersey’s Pavel Zacha in front of the net and his right leg hit the ice awkwardly as the two fell to the ice.

Less than a week after announcing Lee was out indefinitely, Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello revealed that Lee needed ACL surgery and that he would be out for the rest of the year.