For fans of Penguins hockey, the relationship between the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and their NHL affiliate in Pittsburgh is a source of pride. The American Hockey League (AHL) serves as the primary development league for the National Hockey League (NHL), and our very own WBS Penguins play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of stars. Many of the players who take the ice at the Mohegan Sun Arena are just one step away from their big-league dreams.
But how exactly does a player make that jump from the AHL to the NHL? It’s a common question for fans who follow the careers of their favorite prospects. The process depends heavily on the type of contract a player has. Let’s break down the two main paths a player can take on their journey to the top.
Players on NHL Contracts
Most players in the AHL are already under contract with an NHL team. This gives the parent club the flexibility to move them between the two leagues as needed. These contracts typically come in two forms:
Two-way contracts: This is the most common type for developing players. A player’s salary changes depending on which league they are playing in — they earn one salary in the AHL and a higher one in the NHL.
One-way contracts: With this type of contract, a player earns the same salary regardless of whether they are in the AHL or the NHL. These are usually reserved for veteran players or top prospects.
When an NHL team needs to fill a spot on its roster due to injury or performance, it can “call up” a player from its AHL affiliate. As long as the player is under an NHL contract, this transition is relatively seamless.
Players on AHL-Only Contracts
Some players sign contracts directly with an AHL team, like the Wilkes-Barre Penguins. These players are not officially part of an NHL team’s roster and cannot be called up in the same way. For them, the path to the NHL requires an extra step.
An NHL team that is interested in a player on an AHL-only contract must first sign them to a new NHL contract. Once the contract is signed, the player officially becomes part of that NHL organization. This move often requires the player to clear waivers, which means they are made available to every other NHL team for a short period. If no other team claims them, they are free to join their new NHL club.
The Waiver System
The waiver system adds another layer to player movement between the leagues. If an NHL-contracted player has to be sent down to the AHL after a certain number of games or years of professional experience, they must first clear waivers. This gives other NHL teams the chance to claim them.
If a player is claimed, the new team takes over their contract. If they clear waivers, they can be assigned to the AHL. This process ensures that talent is distributed fairly across the league and prevents teams from stockpiling veteran players in the minors.
Be Part of the Action
The player development system is vital for the success of WBS Penguins hockey. Watching a player grow in Wilkes-Barre and then go on to score their first NHL goal is one of the most rewarding experiences for a fan. You get to see the stars of tomorrow, today.
Don’t miss your chance to cheer on the next wave of talent as they chase their NHL dreams. Check out the 2025-26 schedule to see the future of Penguins hockey right here in Wilkes-Barre. Get your tickets now.
