Capitals Place Assistant Coach Mitch Love On Leave Pending NHL Investigation

The Washington Capitals have placed assistant coach Mitch Love on team-imposed leave pending the results of an NHL investigation related to allegations concerning his personal conduct. The investigation began this summer after the league received a letter containing the allegations, which reportedly predate Love's tenure with the Capitals. Love, who joined the Capitals in 2023 and primarily coached the defense, had generated interest for several NHL head coaching positions this offseason but was not hired. The Capitals have not disclosed details about the investigation and will evaluate Love's future with the team after its conclusion. Love will miss the team's 2025 training camp, and no interim assistant coach has been announced. Despite the uncertainty, Love helped improve the Capitals' defensive rankings in recent seasons, contributing to their playoff appearances.