Is the NHL returning to Atlanta?
PUBLICATION
Dorin Canaday
March 6, 2023 (10:36)
The immediate success of the NHL's newest expansion teams in Vegas and Seattle has led to reports of the league returning to a familiar city.
Based on recent reports, the NHL could be seriously thinking of bringing hockey back to Atlanta, Georgia, where the Thrashers previously played from 1999 to 2011.
ESPN broadcaster John Buccigross was the first to share the news earlier this week:
''NHL team coming to Atlanta againstay tuned. Alpharetta.''
That was followed by fairly accurate insider and former goaltender Kevin Weekes. Although Weekes didn't say a lot, he definitely confirmed the rumors with the following post on Twitter.
The NHL has actually come and gone to Atlanta twice before. The first time was the Flames from 1972 until the team relocated to Calgary. Again, from 1999-2011 - as mentioned above - also a relocation, this time, to Winnipeg.
All signs point to an expansion team coming to Atlanta if it happens which would become the 33rd team in the league.
Previously on Bruins Insider
POLL |
MARS 6 | 96 ANSWERS Is the NHL returning to Atlanta? Should the NHL expand to Atlanta? |
Yes | 20 | 20.8 % |
No | 76 | 79.2 % |
List of polls |
|
56 minutes ago | By Bruce Raymond David Pastrnak bluntly opens up about the Boston Bruins replacing Brad Marchand |
|
11 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin 1-for-1 trade proposal between the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens |
|
15 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Boston Bruins trade former 8th overall pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins: A deal may be in the works |
|
18 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Edmonton Oilers to steal a goaltender from the Boston Bruins: A trade is the only way it will work |
|
20 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs combine for a blockbuster with latest trade proposal |
|
21 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Trusted NHL insider confirmed the Boston Bruins are actively trying to trade an unexpected forward |
|
23 hours ago | By Bruce Raymond Accepted blockbuster trade between the Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche |
|
Aug 12 | By Bruce Raymond Completed trade between the Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche takes a major turn |