With uncertainty looming around the organization of the Arizona Coyotes, many experts are wondering if the NHL should simply sell the franchise to relocate it to a market that is genuinely ready to host a Bettman circuit team. Several cities such as Houston and Salt Lake City have notably been mentioned as potential destinations.

However, on his podcast 32 Thoughts, the excellent Elliotte Friedman stated that rumors about the return of the Atlanta Thrashers are quietly gaining momentum. Whether it’s through the sale of an organization or when the National Hockey League conducts a new expansion, Atlanta could be an interesting city to establish an NHL team.

“There are a lot of people who really believe in the Atlanta story, especially when you know that TNT owns the rights and is based in Atlanta, it’s very real.” – Elliotte Friedman

“You know, we haven’t studied (the market evolution), but insofar as we receive expressions of interest from the Atlanta area, it’s to locate an arena in a different place from where it was previously located.” – Gary Bettman

Of course, a team that performs well on the ice greatly helps to sell tickets and we can believe that if an expansion team sets up in Atlanta, they would be able to achieve success quickly. As we have seen with the Las Vegas Golden Knights and the Seattle Kraken, the expansion draft process allows new teams to quickly build a winning lineup.

Would you like to see the Atlanta Thrashers make a return to the NHL?

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE ATLANTA THRASHERS MAKE A RETURN TO THE NHL?