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Josh Yohe Confirms Penguins Avoided Hiring Mitch Love as Head Coach Due to Pending Investigation
Penguins analyst Josh Yohe of The Athletic has confirmed that GM Kyle Dubas avoided hiring Mitch Love because of the investigation against him.
The Washington Capitals began a wave of speculation earlier today when they announced on X that assistant coach Mitch Love had been placed on leave, though they didn't get specific as to what kind of investigation is being conducted by the NHL or why.
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.
Love was a candidate for the Pittsburgh Penguins to replace the terminated Mike Sullivan, who was let go after the Penguins missed the playoffs for the 3rd year in a row.
Instead, they hired former New York Rangers assistant coach Dan Muse.
Now, Penguins analyst Josh Yohe is confirming that the team didn't hire Love because they were aware of the ongoing investigation, meaning that whatever prompted the investigation occurred months ago.
Yohe indicated as much by saying other teams knew of the situation back in April and May:
NHL teams were aware of this possibility in April and May, which I believe is a good reason why he didn't get a head coaching job.
-Josh Yohe
-Josh Yohe
Mitch Love is the 2nd NHL figure to be placed on leave this week
Mitch Love isn't the only NHL figure to be placed on leave by his respective team this week.
The Buffalo Sabres announced the same for director of player development and former forward Adam Mair, who was arrested.
Like Love's, Mair's situation continues to be investigated.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 14 | 37 ANSWERS Josh Yohe Confirms Penguins Avoided Hiring Mitch Love as Head Coach Due to Pending Investigation Did the Penguins hire the right man in Dan Muse? | ||
| Yes | 25 | 67.6 % |
| No | 12 | 32.4 % |
| List of polls | ||