Penguins End 29-Year ECHL Tie With Wheeling Nailers

The Hoffmann Family Companies’ purchase of the team appears to have driven the split, signaling a likely affiliation switch to the Hoffmann-owned Florida Everblades.

Overview

The Penguins announced the end of their 29-year affiliation with the Wheeling Nailers on Thursday, July 16, saying the move was required by “very unique circumstances,” according to GM Kyle Dubas.
Hours after the Penguins' statement, multiple outlets reported the Hoffmann-owned Florida Everblades as the likely replacement affiliate while the Penguins’ formal confirmation remained limited.
The split severs a nearby development link of roughly 60 miles that produced dozens of NHL alums and gave Pittsburgh-area fans easy access to watch prospects in person.
The Everblades are a recent ECHL powerhouse, winning multiple Kelly Cups including 2026 and drawing far larger crowds than Wheeling, which could give the Penguins a stronger on-ice partner and market reach.
The change underscores how NHL ownership shifts reshape minor-league pipelines, leaves the Nailers searching for a new NHL partner, and could alter player assignments and ECHL alignments in the coming weeks.