Andre Lee

February 2023 – Lee’s stat line with just four goals and one assist in 38 games with Ontario this season does not tell the whole story about his season. Coming off a three-year stint with the UMass-Lowell River Hawks where he dominated physically, Lee has shown potential to do the same at the AHL level.

Lee is at his best when he simplifies his game and uses his 6-5 frame to separate his opponents from the puck. Spending time on a line with hulking centre Samuel Helenius in primarily a shutdown role, Lee has excelled with his improved vision of the ice and uses linemates in a way that has improved his overall possession game. Lee netted two goals versus Coachella Valley last week, doubling his season’s goal total, but more importantly doing so in a way that is akin to his style. While he still could be a few years out from full-time NHL duties, Lee’s blend of size and acceleration will only benefit him moving forward as he looks to become a physical force for years to come. Sean Crocker

June 2022 – Lee wrapped up his 2021-22 season after he inked a three-year entry-level contract with the Kings organization and saw 11 games of action with the Reign to finish the campaign. Lee progressed each year at UMass-Lowell, becoming a key piece for the Riverhawks when all was said and done. Lee impacts the games in ways other than scoring. He finds ways to create momentum for his team, whether that is creating chaos in front of the opposing net or getting involved in puck battles where he uses his size and power to retain possession for his team. He has a strong blend of size and speed that when he transitions the puck by carrying it across the neutral zone, defenders are often put on their backheels trying to keep pace. Lee will continue his development in 2022-23 with the Reign. His long-term upside will be determined by how he adapts to the professional game and if he can continue to improve his all-around play while seeing constant improvement on his offence. Sean Crocker