Caps G Irbe will not return next season

Washington Capitals goaltender coach Arturs Irbe will not return to the team next season.

The Capitals said Thursday that Irbe's contract is expiring and that he is leaving the club so he can spend more time with his family.

Irbe spent two seasons with the Capitals, mainly mentoring young goalies Michal Neuvirth and Semyon Varlamov.

Irbe played 13 seasons in the NHL, highlighted by a run to the Stanley Cup finals with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2002.