The Washington Capitals bench will look different next season.
Assistant coach Kirk Muller is leaving the team to pursue other NHL opportunities, the Capitals announced on Monday.
Muller's contract was set to expire in June.
"We respect and support his decision. We thank Kirk for his dedication, professionalism, and the many contributions he made during his three years with our organization. He is an experienced and highly respected coach whose work ethic, leadership, and commitment to player development had a meaningful impact on our team both on and off the ice. We wish him and his family all the best in the next chapter of his career," general manager Chris Patrick said in a statement.
The 60-year-old Muller, of Kingston, Ont., spent the last three seasons as an assistant in Washington next to head coach Spencer Carbery.
He served as head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes from 2011-14 before stints as an assistant with the St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames and Capitals.
Washington missed the playoffs this season, finishing fourth in the Metropolitan Division with 95 points.
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