Mitch Love, Capitals Assistant Coach, on Administrative Leave Amid NHL Investigation
Washington Capitals assistant coach Mitch Love has been suspended from his duties by the team, pending the results of an NHL investigation, the franchise announced on Sunday.
Love, 41, joined the Capitals in June 2023, following the hiring of Spencer Carbery as head coach. His main task has been coaching the team’s defensemen.
Love was a highly sought-after candidate during the offseason, having contributed to the Capitals reaching the playoffs in two consecutive seasons. He interviewed with several teams and was considered a finalist for vacancies with the Boston Bruins and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
An NHL source revealed that the league received a letter detailing allegations related to Love’s personal conduct during interviews he conducted with other 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 suspended him 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 concludes.
Before joining the Capitals’ coaching staff, 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 of the AHL and the Calgary Wranglers.
