Anders Lee's Kancer Jam event returns, but Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck not likely to return to Islanders

Much is the same for Islanders captain Anders Lee as he prepares for the 2024-25 NHL season, and that includes hosting his fifth Kancer Jam event on Sept. 14 at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow to help raise funds for families affected by cancer. His ongoing charitable efforts earned him the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in May for the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice.

But Lee also knows there’s likely to be a major difference when training camp starts next month. Longtime fourth-line stalwarts Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck remain unrestricted free agents and are unlikely to be back.

“These are two guys that have been the heart and soul of our team for a very long time,” Lee said on Wednesday during a conference call to announce this year’s Jam Kancer In The Kan event. “You don’t get better teammates than Matty and Clutter. Regardless of what happens, those are going to be spots or shoes or skates that are going to be tough to fill.

“I can’t wait to see those guys and tell them how much I care for them and wish them nothing but the best. Selfishly, hoping for the best on our end.”

But the Islanders have just approximately $500,000 in space under the $88.5 million salary cap ceiling after signing forward Anthony Duclair to a four-year, $14 million deal and Russian forward Maxim Tsyplakov to a one-year, $950,000 pact.

It will be the Islanders' first full season under coach Patrick Roy, who took over for Lane Lambert on Jan. 20 and guided the team to the playoffs before being eliminated in five games by the Hurricanes in the first round.

“I like the way we look,” Lee said. “I’m excited to get back and get to work on things. Patrick coming in and seeing us for a little bit of last season and pushing us through to the end, it’s an opportunity to all come together in camp and put ourselves in a position to hit the ground running. There’s a lot to like about our team. There’s a good little buzz for us.”

Lee hosted his first Kancer Jam in 2017 after meeting the late Fenov Pierre-Louis, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma at age 9 and passed away at 17 in 2018. Pierre-Louis and Lee developed a tight friendship and the relationship still impacts and motivates Lee.

Last year’s event – the first since the COVID-19 pandemic – raised more than $155,000, pushing the total contributions to more than $2.2 million since Lee became involved in 2017.

“Last year, it was great that we were finally able to bring Anders’ event back and it was successful beyond even my wildest dreams,” said Jamey Crimmins of Scott Plains, New Jersey, who organized the first Jam Kancer In The Kan event in 2014. “We raised over $155,000 so my goal is to exceed that. The more money we raise, the more we’re able to help families.”

That includes $25,000 from the NHL on Lee’s behalf as a result of him earning the King Clancy Trophy. Crimmins said the King Clancy Trophy will be on display at the Islanders’ practice facility during Lee’s Kancer Jam event.

“I think Fenov would have been very proud,” Lee said. “I think he would have understood the impact that receiving this award has been, to be able to reach more people, to be able to help out more people and bring a little bit more recognition to our foundation. I’m very proud of the people behind it, like Fenov, like all my teammates, the Islanders’ organization, Jamey. This award I feel like I’m sharing with quite a bit of people.”

By Andrew Gross

andrew.gross@newsday.comAGrossNewsday

Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.