Lee wasn't given a qualifying offer by the Coyotes, the Arizona Republic's Sarah McLellan reports. Thus, Lee will enter free agency coming off a season in which he made it to the NHL, but didn't see a minute of game action. He's had quite minimal success in the AHL and even ECHL, so Lee's not likely to wear an NHL sweater again anytime soon, but he could catch on with some franchise to offer some depth in the minors.

Lee was reassigned to AHL Portland on Wednesday. Called up by the Coyotes last week after Devan Dubnyk was traded to the Wild, Lee didn't see any action behind No. 1 goalie Mike Smith. He'll head to the minors in an effort to pick up some ice time while the NHL breaks for the All-Star Game, but there's no guarantee he'll be back with the Coyotes when play resumes. The team recalled Mike McKenna from AHL Portland in a corresponding move Wednesday, and he could simply stick around with the Coyotes in a backup capacity.

As expected, the Coyotes have recalled Lee, the team's official site reports. For now, Lee -- who had been with ECHL Gwinnett -- will fill the backup void behind Mike Smith created by the trade of Devan Dubnyk to the Wild.

The Coyotes plan to recall Lee, the Arizona Republic reports. With Devan Dubnyk having been traded to the Wild, Lee is slated to join the big club to serve as Mike Smith's backup for the time being.