If and when Patrick Dempsey leaves Grey's Anatomy, he'd better ride into the sunset in style. That means a befitting exit for a character called McDreamy for a reason.

Dempsey's contract with the ABC medical drama is up after this upcoming season, and while nothing is set in stone, he's indicated that he may exit the series for good.

“We have another year to finish up, so yeah,” Patrick told Access Hollywood. “I don’t know what’s gonna happen with the show - I don’t think they do either.”

If this is his swan song, Patrick, who's currently promoting Transformers: Dark of the Moon, hopes Derek’s departure includes a romantic exit with Meredith.

“I think they should go off in the sunset together, quite honestly,” he said. “I think they should maintain it, and he should leave as McDreamy as possible I think."

We don't think he'll find many fans objecting to that, even if there are many tears shed at the possibility of him leaving at all. If nothing else, he's got one great year left.

Would you watch Grey's Anatomy without Patrick?

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.