As the New York Islanders' season ends following a Game 5 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, a number of players may have played their final games with the club, as a new ownership group is set to take over July 1.
Despite the team's disappointing second-round series loss, head coach Jack Capuano is hopeful key free agents such as forwards Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen will return next year.
"It's a business and there's a lot of change," Capuano said of the two forwards, reports Newsday's Steve Zipay. "Guys in this business have to move on and hopefully they don't."
Capuano applauded the pair for providing great leadership alongside captain John Tavares. Okposo admits he will begin considering his options soon.
"I'll have to reflect on the year and what’s next a couple days from now," Okposo said. "The focus was that you’re part of the hockey team, just trying to win one game and extend the series."
"I've always been proud to wear this jersey," said pending free agent Nielsen, according to Eric Hornick of Islanders.com. The 32-year-old has spent his entire 10-year NHL career with the club, and recorded 52 points in 81 games this season.
"I love this team," added fellow unrestricted free agent Matt Martin. "I love this group ... (but) I don't know what the future holds. I've been here seven years, and loved every second."
Another key player whose future hangs in the balance this summer is defenseman Travis Hamonic. The team leader in ice time during the regular season is still under contract until 2020, but after requesting a trade to Western Canada last offseason, it's believed he may finally be moved soon.
However, following Sunday's game, Hamonic only wanted to discuss how much he loves being on the team who drafted him in 2008.
"I love being an Islander, more than anything," Hamonic told MSG's Shannon Hogan. "It's one of the best things I do with my life."
