Pittsburgh Penguins End 29-Year Partnership, Wheeling Voice Reacts

“I think a lot of people heard David Hoffman,” Abisalih added, per the same segment by Wiederspiel. “He wanted the affiliation of the Penguins and Everblades to be together.”

For 3 decades, the Nailers played a significant role in Penguins player development despite not being a popular or traditional hockey market. The goodbye was sad for many, even for Penguins GM Kyle Dubas, whose statement reflected nothing but gratitude for the Nailers.

“The Nailers constant dedication to working with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and our player development staff has delivered countless players that have impacted our organization,” Dubas statement read. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Wheeling.”

Dubas wished the Nailers to keep being the novelty they’re in West Virginia. And Abisalih is already on the move.

D.J Abisalih Is Already Hunting a New NHL Partner

Seeing a change coming and waiting quietly for it to happen is not something a seasoned executive like Abisalih would do. The director admitted to getting into talks with other NHL teams when the sale finalization took place.

“I do anticipate that we’ll have answers in a very quick period of time here,” he said, per Wiederspiel. “We had an idea that Pittsburgh could very well go with the Everblades. It wasn’t like we were just sitting back and waiting to see what happens. We were working on what was going to be the new plan.”

The goal is to keep producing talent and providing entertaining hockey the Nailers have always done. And Abisalih’s remarks echoed confidence.

“We do our best to put on a product that can entertain whether you love sports or you don’t,” he concluded.