The expectation throughout the league this past season is that it would be the last for Barry Trotz and despite the Capitals winning the Stanley Cup, it has ended up being the last season for Trotz in Washington.

Trotz today officially resigned as head coach of the Capitals, the team announced.

“Barry Trotz informed the organization today of his decision to resign as head coach of the Washington Capitals. We are obviously disappointed by Barry’s decision, but would like to thank Barry for all his efforts the past four years and for helping bring the Stanley Cup to Washington. Barry is a man of high character and integrity and we are grateful for his leadership and for all that he has done for our franchise” — Statement from Washington Capitals

The Capitals winning the Stanley Cup triggered an automatic two year extension for Trotz at $1.8 million per season with incentives.

Coaching salaries have skyrocketed since Mike Babcock changed the landscape with an 8 year, $50 million contract that saw Trotz seeking a 5 year deal the Capitals confirmed, believed to be worth $5 million per season.

The Capitals coaching search is expected to now start and end with assistant coach Todd Reirden who has been the coach in waiting for a over a year now.