Capitals assistant Mitch Love on leave, under NHL investigation

The Washington Capitals placed assistant coach Mitch Love on leave pending an NHL investigation, the team announced Sunday.

It wasn't revealed why Love is under investigation, though ESPN reported that two teams he interviewed with for head-coaching jobs this offseason received a letter that made allegations about Love's personal conduct before his time with the Capitals. The league received a similar letter.

The NHL began its investigation this summer. The Capitals placed him on leave after the team was informed by the league, per ESPN.

Love, 41, didn't reach the NHL level as a player but became a coach after a long minor league career. He worked in the Calgary Flames' system, including as head coach of their AHL affiliate, the Stockton Heat, before joining the Capitals' staff in June 2023 under new head coach Spencer Carbery.