Andre Lee

December 2025 – Lee has not seen a call up to the NHL yet this season, but is performing strong enough to earn the first ticket to Los Angeles when there is a need. The 25-year-old has six goals and eight assists in 19 games, and those 14 points tie him for the team lead with Martin Chromiak.

Hidden behind the macro numbers are some strong play driving statistics. He is tied for fifth league-wide for scoring chances, putting 2.2 shots on net per game, and is drawing nearly double the penalties he is taking.

At 6-5 and 205 pounds, he is built for the bottom six, capable of dishing and receiving hits, and winning puck battles. His strong offensive showing in the AHL is not a guarantee for it to materialize at the NHL, nor does it guarantee him a spot in the NHL any time soon, but bodes well as opportunities for jobs are going to open soon in Los Angeles.

Kopitar has announced his retirement at the end of the season. Phillip Danault and Joel Armia will both be 33 and entering the final year of their contract next season. Andrei Kuzmenko is seeing minimal production on a one-year show-me contract, and Corey Perry will likely join another NHL team next season as he attempts to play for every NHL team before he turns 50.

Lee will need to win a spot in the line up as the Kings juggle their lines in the new year, but he appears positioned to challenge for one. He’s worth a stash and should be acquired if he can be picked up cheaply or free. Alex Wyatt

August 2025 – The 25 year old winger broke into the NHL in 2024-2025, seeing 19 games with the Kings. Lee averaged just over nine minutes a game, and provided a goal and two assists playing predominantly at even strength. Standing 6-5 and weighing 206 pounds, Lee figures to be a bottom-six energy forward who throws his body, forechecks, and tires down the opposition. In leagues where hits are helpful, Lee could be a cheap depth option, but with his ice time limited to single digits, there are likely better options out there. Given his age, and relatively cheap cap hit, Lee could see an expanded NHL opportunity, but the role will be as described- a bottom-six energy winger. Alex Wyatt

March 2025 – The Los Angeles Kings signed Lee to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value (AAV) of $775,000 through the 2026-27 season. Mark Henry

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 center Samuel Helenius in a shutdown role, Lee excelled with his improved vision of the ice and used linemates to improve his overall possession game. Lee netted two goals versus Coachella Valley last week, doubling his season’s goal total, but more importantly, he did so in a way 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. 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 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, and when he transitions the puck by carrying it across the neutral zone, defenders are often put on their back heels 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 in his offense. Sean Crocker