The Wheeling Nailers announced this week that forward Craig Armstrong has agreed to a new contract for the 2026‑27 season, bringing the 27‑year‑old back to the lineup after a two‑year stint elsewhere.
A Deal That Signals Growth
In his most recent full season with the Nailers, Armstrong posted 35 points, including 12 goals and 23 assists, while posting a team‑leading plus/minus of +29. He also contributed five points — two goals and three assists — across 17 postseason games, underscoring his ability to elevate his game when the stakes rise.
Armstrong’s development was evident long before his professional debut; he spent six seasons in the Western Hockey League and the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, tallying over 30 points in each of his final three junior campaigns. His best junior season came with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, where he recorded 39 points (17 goals, 22 assists) in 67 games and served as an alternate captain.
His return is viewed as a boost for a franchise that has not seen a plus/minus this high since the 2003‑04 campaign, and fans are eager to see the forward contribute to a push for the playoffs. With the contract in place, the Nailers hope Armstrong’s blend of experience and offensive spark will help shape a competitive roster for the upcoming season.