Nailers Add Shalla from Toledo, Trade Leen to Brampton
June 14, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced two transactions, completing a pair of future considerations deals from earlier in the 2015-16 season. Wheeling has acquired forward Josh Shalla from the Toledo Walleye, completing an earlier trade for defenseman Mike Slowikowski. The Nailers have also dealt forward Connor Leen to the Brampton Beast, completing an earlier trade for ECHL Defenseman of the Year Mathew Maione.
Shalla, 24, will be entering his fifth professional season in the fall, after spending the first four years of his career with the Cincinnati Cyclones and Toledo Walleye of the ECHL, in addition to the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals. Josh was originally selected in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Nashville Predators, while he was playing junior hockey in the OHL. His first pro campaign was 2012-13, which he split between Cincinnati and Milwaukee, racking up 21 goals in 37 ECHL games, before tacking on three more in 32 AHL contests. The Whitby, Ontario native then went on to help the Cyclones to the 2014 Kelly Cup Final, posting 11 goals and 17 points in 23 postseason matches. This past season, Shalla appeared in 67 games with the Toledo Walleye, accumulating 20 goals, 22 assists, and 42 points.
Leen, 24, just completed his first full season of professional hockey, as he and the Nailers reached the 2016 Kelly Cup Final. Prior to turning pro, Connor played college hockey at the University of Maine for four years, totaling 24 goals and 53 points in 120 games. After completing his senior season, the Chester, New York native joined the Bakersfield Condors, immediately contributing with six points in 11 tilts. Leen didn't need much time to fit in with Wheeling, as he netted a goal in his debut - a 5-1 win over Brampton in the home opener on October 24th. Connor went on to compile nine goals, 14 assists, and 23 points in 49 regular season games with the Nailers, before adding one assist in eight playoff contests. In early January, the rookie had one of his best stretches, posting three straight two-point nights.
These are Wheeling's first transactions of the 2016 offseason. Season Ending Rosters are due to the league on Wednesday, and players will be able to sign contracts for 2016-17 beginning on Thursday.
The Nailers will open the 25th season of professional hockey in Wheeling on October 15th at 7:05 against Brampton.
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