The Washington Capitals fired assistant coach Mitch Love of Quesnel, British Columbia. However, the reason for the dismissal is rather significant. That is because Love was fired after the National Hockey League investigated him for his personal conduct.
The NHL had been investigating Love for approximately six weeks. As a result, Love had not coached the Capitals this season. According to Josh Erickson of Pro Hockey Rumors, the specific reason for the inappropriate personal conduct was related to “allegations of domestic abuse.” The allegations had occurred during the offseason, and that Love was on a team-imposed leave by the Capitals while the NHL had conducted their investigation.
Love is not allowed to coach for the remainder of the 2025-26 NHL season. Following the season, he is eligible for reinstatement. According to Elliotte Friedman of Rogers Sportsnet, Love disagreed with the Capitals’s decision, and when NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman made his ruling, Love did not have the opportunity to appeal Bettman’s decision.
Considered as NHL head coach
Love was considered as a candidate for three NHL franchises in the offseason. He was on the shortlist in Boston, Seattle and Pittsburgh. However the Bruins chose Marco Sturm, the Islanders chose Lane Lambert and the Penguins chose Dan Muse.
Love’s coaching background
Love had been an assistant coach for the Washington Capitals for the last three seasons. In 2024-25, the Capitals had the best record in the Eastern Conference during the regular season, and Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery of Victoria, British Columbia won the Jack Adams Award, presented to the NHL coach of the year.
Prior to his time in Washington, Love had coaching experience in the Western Hockey League and American Hockey League. While in the WHL, Love was with the Everett Silvertips as an assistant coach from 2012 to 2018, and a head coach of the Saskatoon Blades from 2018 to 2021. While in the AHL, Love was with the Stockton Heat from 2021 to 2022, and the Calgary Wranglers from 2022 to 2023.
Love’s playing background
Love was a left winger in the WHL, AHL, ECHL, and CHL (Central Hockey League). While in the WHL, Love played for the Moose Jaw Warriors (1999 to 2002). the Swift Current Broncos (2001 to 2003), and Everett Silvertips (2003 to 2005). While in the AHL, Love played for the Lowell Lock Monsters (2005 to 2006). the Albany River Rats (2006 to 2007), the Lake Erie Monsters (2007 to 2008), the Houston Aeros (2008 to 2009), and Peoria Rivermen (2009 to 2010). While in the ECHL, Love plays for the Johnstown Chiefs in 2007 to 2008. While in the CHL, Love played for the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs in 2010 to 2011.
