The Islanders brought their captain back on the first day of free agency and that meant a lot — not only to Anders Lee, who presumably will be wearing the “C” for a long time, but also to the organization, which values that sort of leadership.



Throughout this offseason, Lou and Chris Lamoriello — the latter in his role as Bridgeport GM — have shown how much they value that type of leadership. In adding college and AHL free agents, one common thread has emerged: If a player wore the “C” at the amateur level, he’s already got a leg up in attracting the Islanders’ attention.



The Isles signed three college free agents in the spring. Grant Hutton (Miami-Ohio), Mason Jobst (Ohio State) and Bobo Carpenter (Boston U.) were all captains of their school teams as seniors.



After prospect camp three weeks ago, the Isles added two more free agents. Erik Brown (RIT) and Justin Murray (Barrie of the OHL) had been captains...