Following their Presidents’ Trophy conquest in the NHL, the Washington Capitals announced a shocking decision on a assistant coach. The Caps will be heading into the new season with a big question mark hanging over the staff in the nation’s capital city.
Mitch Love had been actively sought by several NHL franchises during the offseason. After an astounding campaign with Spencer Carbery and the Caps, Love considered his options to become a head coach somewhere else. However, he ultimately opted to stay in D.C. Now, he has been placed on leave by the organization.
“Washington Capitals assistant coach Mitch Love has been placed on team-imposed leave pending results of an investigation by the National Hockey League. We will refrain from further comment until the NHL’s investigation is complete,” as stated by @CapitalsPR on X.
Unclear
The Capitals are only expecting to improve after their incredible regular season in the 2024-25 campaign. The postseason left a sour taste in everybody’s mouths in Washington. Now, the goal is clear: go deep into the playoffs.
However, Love’s absence behind the bench could be deflating for the team’s morale going into the 2025-26 season. The reason for the team’s decision on Love is still undisclosed, though a report hints at what may be behind the suspension.
“Per sources, NHL began to investigate a matter during the off-season, around the time he was interviewing with clubs about vacant HC roles,” insider David Pagnotta stated on X.
At this stage, there’s no reason to speculate about the suspension. What matters is the fact—and that is that Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals will be without Love for the time being and for an indefinite length of time.