Mitch Love is heading back behind the bench-but not in the NHL.
The former Calgary Wranglers head coach has been named the new head coach of the KHL’s Shanghai Dragons, stepping into the role after longtime NHL bench boss Gerard Gallant stepped away due to health concerns. It’s a notable move for a coach who, not long ago, was considered one of the NHL’s rising stars in the coaching ranks.
Love’s coaching stock soared during his time with the Flames organization. He led Calgary’s AHL affiliate to back-to-back standout seasons and was named the league’s Coach of the Year in both 2022 and 2023-an extremely rare feat.
In fact, he became just the third coach in AHL history to earn that honor in consecutive seasons. His teams played with structure, intensity, and a clear identity, which quickly put him on the radar for NHL jobs.
At one point, Love was reportedly in the mix for head coaching positions with several NHL clubs, including the Bruins, Penguins, and Kraken. But his trajectory took a sharp turn during his stint as an assistant coach with the Washington Capitals.
The organization placed him on leave following an NHL investigation into allegations of domestic abuse. The allegations surfaced after a victim reportedly sent letters directly to the league.
While no details of the allegations were publicly disclosed, and Love denied them, the NHL ultimately suspended him for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. The Capitals then parted ways with him shortly after the suspension was announced.
Now, with his NHL suspension still in effect, Love is taking his coaching career international. According to RG Media, he’s signed on with the Dragons through the 2026-27 season. The move gives him a fresh start in the KHL, where he’ll lead a team that features a number of former NHL players, including ex-Flames prospect Spencer Foo.
For Love, this is a chance to rebuild his coaching résumé and reestablish his presence in the professional hockey world. And for the Dragons, it’s an opportunity to bring in a coach with a proven track record of developing talent and winning at the AHL level. It’s not the NHL job many once expected him to land, but it’s a significant role on a global stage-and one that could shape the next chapter of his coaching journey.