The Washington Capitals announced Sunday that assistant coach Mitch Love has been placed on team-imposed leave pending the results of an NHL investigation. Love, 41, has been with the Capitals since June 2023, shortly after Spencer Carbery was hired as head coach. His primary responsibility has been working with the team’s defensemen.
Promising Coaching Candidate Faces Allegations Predating Capitals Tenure Amid NHL Scrutiny
Before this development, Love was viewed as one of the league’s more promising coaching candidates. Following his contributions to the Capitals’ back-to-back playoff appearances, he interviewed for head coaching positions during the offseason. Among the franchises reportedly considering him were the Boston Bruins and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Coach Mitch Love (NHL)According to an NHL source, the league received a letter during the offseason that raised concerns about Love’s personal conduct. These allegations reportedly predate his time with the Capitals. Additionally, at least two teams he interviewed with were sent similar letters outlining the claims.
NHL Probe Sidelines Capitals Coach As Experienced Leader’s Future Remains Uncertain
The NHL has been investigating the matter for several months. Once the Capitals were formally informed of the allegations, the organization acted by placing Love on leave. The team emphasized it will withhold further comment until the league’s review is complete. Washington’s training camp is set to open this week, making the timing of the development particularly significant.
Mitch Love brings years of coaching experience across various levels of hockey. He previously served as an assistant coach with the Everett Silvertips and later as head coach of the Saskatoon Blades in the WHL. He then advanced to head coaching roles with the AHL’s Stockton Heat and Calgary Wranglers before being hired by the Capitals’ staff in 2023.
