Tuesday’s resignation of Florida Everblades coach Malcolm Cameron came with little surprise a week after being swept out of the ECHL playoffs by the Reading Royals.

Since his two-year contract expired at the end of this season, Cameron said over the phone earlier this week he was “undecided” whether to return to the team.

“I haven’t made up my mind yet,” he said Monday. “The season just ended and I want to take a couple of days to think it over before discussing it (with team president Craig Brush).”

The way Cameron said it, it became obvious he was ready to move on – not from hockey, but to bigger and better things.

“There comes a time in everyone’s career when you have to decide whether or not to pursue bigger and better opportunities,” he said. “I’ve been a head coach in the ECHL for a long time now, and I think that maybe it’s time to look at opportunities elsewhere.”

After two days of contemplation, Cameron thought it was time to move on.

One can assume those opportunities will be sought in the greener, and richer, pastures of the AHL.

Cameron should have no problem finding another job after going to the playoffs with all four teams he has coached in the ECHL, but his departure from the Everblades may leave several holes to fill.

Arriving two years ago from the Texas Wildcatters, Cameron brought a bevy of ECHL stars, including Kevin Baker, A.J. Thelen, and this year’s team captain Ross Carlson.

Baker dealt with injuries the first half this year limiting his playing time. It led to one of the most unproductive years of his career. At 30, he is reaching the end of that career.

Thelen’s career seems ready to take off after being called up on several occasions to the AHL this season. His last stint nearly cost him the ECHL playoffs, which he made it back for just in time.

Carlson’s skills aren’t fading, but he is nearing 30, a benchmark year for most ECHL players who haven’t made it to “the show” and think it may be time to hang up the skates.

These are three of perhaps a dozen players who may not be in a Blades jersey next fall. For now, the focus for Brush is finding a new coach, one he hopes will retain some of the talent.

Brush hopes to have the position filled by early June.