The Washington Capitals have fired assistant coach Mitch Love after a league-wide investigation into his personal conduct.
Multiple reports suggest that investigation looked into allegations of domestic abuse.
The decision to relieve Love of his duties came after the NHL suspended him for the entire 2025-26 season.
According to reports, the victim reported allegations against Love directly to the NHL while he was interviewing for head coach positions, including one with the Seattle Kraken, during the summer. The investigation began in June.
In a post to social media addressing the situation, the Capitals said ‘the organization is committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct and accountability.’
Mitch Love joined the Capitals in June 2023 as an assistant coach to Spencer Carbery, working with the team’s defensemen. The details of the evidence against Love have not been disclosed.
The NHL, in a statement to the Washington Post, said, ‘Following a thorough investigation, Mitch Love has been suspended for the remainder of the 2025-26 season for conduct detrimental to the League. Mr. Love will be eligible to apply for reinstatement to the League for the 2026-27 season subject to certain conditions.”
The NHL did not disclose the findings of its investigation.
The Post reported that Love had not been with the Capitals since the 2024-25 season ended in May.
