Mitch Love, Capitals Assistant Coach, on Administrative Leave While NHL Investigates
Washington Capitals assistant coach Mitch Love has been placed on administrative leave by the team, pending the results of an NHL investigation, the team announced Sunday.
Love, 41, joined the Capitals in June 2023, following the appointment of Spencer Carbery as head coach. His primary focus has been working with the team’s defensemen.
Love was a highly sought-after candidate during the offseason, after helping the Capitals qualify for the playoffs in two consecutive seasons. He interviewed with several teams and was considered among the finalists for vacant positions with the Boston Bruins and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
According to an NHL source, the league received a letter detailing allegations related to Love’s personal conduct during interviews with teams in the offseason. Two of the teams he allegedly interviewed with received a similar letter. The allegations predate his time with the Capitals.
The NHL has been conducting its investigation for several months. The Capitals placed him on leave after the League informed them of the allegations. Washington begins its training camp this week. The team has stated that it will refrain from making further comments until the NHL’s investigation has concluded.
Previously, Love was an assistant coach with the Everett Silvertips and head coach with the Saskatoon Blades in the Western Hockey League. He was also head coach with the Stockton Heat and Calgary Wranglers of the AHL before joining the Capitals staff.
