For almost thirty years, the Wheeling Nailers and Pittsburgh Penguins worked hand-in-hand as one of the most stable partnerships in professional hockey. As of July 16th, 2026, that relationship has officially ended the longest active NHL-ECHL affiliation. 

The affiliation, which started in 1996, developed players, coaches, and staff members who reached the NHL. Alongside the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Wheeling was an integral part of Pittsburgh's player development. It provided the professional experience while having a consistent organizational identity.

This affiliation switch follows on the heels of the Pittsburgh Penguins' ownership changing to the Hoffmann Family. During the introductory press conference, they announced plans to align the Penguins with the Florida Everblades, the ECHL team that the Hoffmann's own. The impact of this affiliation change will stretch far beyond transactions and roster moves. Generations of prospects developed in Wheeling, such as Carter Rowney, Tom Kühnhackl, and Josh Archibald, all Stanley Cup Champions. It illustrated the importance of the Nailers within the developmental system for the Penguins. 

As for the city of Wheeling, this partnership provided continuity for the ECHL, which is ever-changing. Coaching staff changed, ownership evolved, and a few division shifts. The black and gold remained a constant. It helped to shape the Nailers' identity. 

The next chapter has yet to be written for the Nailers. 29 years of climbing the hockey ladder leaves behind a partnership that is going to be remembered as one of the most successful affiliations in minor league history.