WHEELING, W.Va. — The Wheeling Nailers have announced a new partnership with the Columbus Blue Jackets, making the NHL club the team’s newest affiliate beginning with the 2026-27 season.
The affiliation agreement spans two years and also connects the Nailers with the Blue Jackets’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters.
The announcement follows the end of the Nailers’ longtime relationship with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins concluded their 29-year affiliation with Wheeling on July 16, creating an opportunity for the organization to establish a new NHL partnership.
Nailers President and Governor Brian Komorowski said the new affiliation offers several advantages, particularly because of the close proximity between Wheeling, Columbus and Cleveland.
He said the shorter travel distances will make player movement between organizations more efficient while also creating opportunities to strengthen the Nailers’ fan base throughout Ohio. Komorowski added that the organization hopes to welcome more hockey fans from both Columbus and Cleveland to WesBanco Arena.
Komorowski also said discussions with Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell, along with Assistant General Manager Chris Clark, reinforced the organization’s excitement about the partnership.
The affiliation officially begins when the 2026-27 season gets underway, marking a new chapter for the Nailers after nearly three decades aligned with the Penguins.
