Andrew Ladd hopes Tavares returns to Islanders

With the book now closed on the New York Islanders' season, the focus will now shift to captain John Tavares.

The 27-year-old becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1, and while his future has become murky in recent weeks - due to the club's abysmal play - it's clear teammates hope he re-ups with the club that drafted him first overall in 2009.

"You’re following and hoping that John returns and continues to be a big part of what we’re trying to do here," teammate Andrew Ladd said, according to Andrew Gross of Newsday Sports. "That’s also his decision and he’s earned the right to be in the position that he is in."

Luckily for Islanders fans, Tavares has already said the team's struggles won't impact his final decision whether he'll re-sign with the team.

But if he's played his last game with the Islanders, at least he went out on a bang, scoring the overtime winner in the last game of the season.