The Washington Capitals will not be retaining the services of assistant coach Kirk Muller, the team announced in a statement on Monday.
Muller’s contract was set to expire in the off-season.
Senior vice president & general manager Chris Patrick issued the following statement regarding assistant coach Kirk Muller, whose contract is set to expire in June 2026. pic.twitter.com/CW38VaXI0b
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 27, 2026
The 60-year-old Kirk has worked as an assistant coach with the power-play unit since the beginning of the 2023-24 season. That was the latest stop in a coaching career that has included jobs with the Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, and Calgary Flames.
Muller spent three seasons as the head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, from 2011-14. The team went 80-80-27 in those three seasons and did not make the playoffs in any of the three years.
“Kirk has expressed his desire to explore other opportunities within the National Hockey League, and we respect and support his decision,” Capitals general manager Chris Patrick said in a statement.
“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.”
The Capitals missed the playoffs this season after finishing 43-30-9, with their 95 points the most of any team who did not qualify for the postseason.
