Tavares unsure about playing at World Championships as free agency looms

Under different circumstances, John Tavares might jump at the chance to represent his country at the IIHF World Championships.

Ideally, his New York Islanders would be competing for the Stanley Cup during the annual international event, but with the team out of playoff contention, he'll certainly be in line for an invite. That he can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 adds a wrinkle to the decision-making process, however.

"I don't have a contract for next year so I've just got to determine what is the right thing to do," Tavares said Thursday, according to Andrew Gross of Newsday. "I've always enjoyed playing for my country. It's disappointing not being in the playoffs, but sometimes this gives you a chance, if circumstances are right, to continue your season and finish on a good note."

Tavares suffered a season-ending knee injury while playing for Canada at the Sochi Olympics, and has to consider the risks involved at such a pivotal time in his career.

"There are two sides of it," he said. "You're playing a physical sport and a lot of things can be up in the air. At the same time, as a hockey player, you want to go out there and it's a special thing to play for your country."

The World Championships begin May 4 in Denmark.