Elliotte Friedman shares new details on ex-Capitals coach Mitch Love’s firing after domestic abuse allegation

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman spoke about new details surrounding former Washington Capitals assistant coach Mitch Love’s firing. The organization made this decision after the league suspended him amid allegations of domestic abuse. In the Monday episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman discussed how the situation unfolded and shared what he learned about the NHL’s handling of the case.

Love was suspended by the NHL after it investigated the domestic abuse allegations made against him. Following the investigation, the Capitals fired him and said the decision was based on the findings of the league’s review. Love joined Washington in 2023 after coaching in the AHL and WHL.

Friedman said that when NHL commissioner Gary Bettman gave his ruling, he made it clear that the decision was final.

"One of the things I understood was when the commissioner made his ruling, he indicated that his ruling was final and there was no place for appeal," Friedman said on Monday. [1:33:59 onwards]

He added that Mitch Love does not have the option to appeal the suspension within the league.

"So at least in NHL circles, love does not have grounds for an appeal here. So I just don't know if this is the last we've heard of this, or if he goes outside and try something legal to defend himself," Friedman explained.

Friedman also said the story came up unexpectedly and took time to develop.

"This story kind of came out of nowhere," he said. "Love was in negotiations for one of the open jobs this past summer when contact was made with both the league and one of the teams involved."

He mentioned that investigators then began to gather the facts to understand what had happened. He shared that Sportsnet also looked into the story earlier but decided not to report on it at the time.

"We looked into this last summer at Sportsnet, myself and a couple of other people, and we were just never comfortable with the information to write about it or report on it,” Friedman said.

Friedman spoke carefully about the situation, saying it is difficult for everyone involved.

"It’s a really, really tough story, and it’s a really, really sad story," he said. "You just wish the best for everybody who’s involved."

Mitch Love denies allegations in first statement after Capitals firing

On Monday, Mitch Love addressed the situation publicly for the first time. He was dismissed after the NHL’s suspension and said he disagreed with the ruling but respected the process. In a statement to the Washington Post, Love said,

"While I am disappointed by and disagree with the NHL's decision, I respect the process and accept both the league's findings and the Capitals' decision. "I will continue to openly cooperate throughout this process. That said, I fully deny the allegations against me and look forward to returning to the sport I love as soon as possible."

The investigation began after the alleged victim contacted the NHL and the teams Mitch Love had spoken with during the offseason.

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Edited by Ankit Kumar