NHL Suspends Capitals Assistant Coach Mitch Love for 2025-26 Season Over Abuse Allegations

Mitch Love, an assistant coach for the Washington Capitals and a former head coach in the American Hockey League, has been suspended by the NHL for the entire 2025-26 season following an investigation into allegations of domestic abuse. The investigation was prompted after the alleged victim reported the situation directly to the NHL and teams that were interviewing Love for head coaching positions. As a result, the Capitals relieved Love of his duties immediately, highlighting the organization's commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct and accountability. Love had been considered a promising coaching candidate with potential head coaching opportunities, but the league's findings have sidelined him for the season. The NHL stated that Love is eligible to apply for reinstatement for the 2026-27 season under certain conditions, though the future of his coaching career remains uncertain. The lengthy investigation reflects the NHL's due diligence in addressing the serious matter, though specific details of the allegations have not been publicly disclosed.