Report - NHL could be returning to Atlanta in the coming years

ESPN's John Buccigross sent out a fairly cryptic tweet on Friday afternoon that said the following:

There hasn't been any concrete information surrounding a return of NHL hockey to the city of Atlanta, but Maria Martin, a reporter for 11Alive News shared some important details, if the plan comes to fruition.

Martin said that her sources have informed her that the plan is for a new arena in the suburb of Alpharetta, rather than the team playing out of State Farm Arena (formerly Phillips Arena), like the Thrashers did.

She also went on to mention that both expansion and relocation are on the table for a potential return of NHL hockey to Atlanta.

While nothing appears to be imminent, If the National Hockey League returns to Atlanta, it will be the third time the city has had a franchise. From 1972 to 1980, they had the Flames before they relocated to Calgary and then from 1999 to 2011, the Thrashers played in the city, before moving to Winnipeg and becoming the Jets.

The issue with the previous two NHL franchises in Atlanta were the ownership groups, who essentially gave up and allowed their team to be relocated. Although to be fair, the product on the ice wasn't always the best, as the Flames made the Stanley Cup Playoffs six times, but never won a series, while the Thrashers got swept by the Rangers in their only appearance in the postseason.

Another reason why an expansion team would definitely work in Atlanta is the recent success of the NHL's two newest franchises, the Vegas Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken. Both teams have been solid on the ice, with Vegas on their way to a fifth postseason appearance in six seasons. As for Seattle, they're in good position with a month left in the 2022-23 season to qualify for their first Stanley Cup Playoff appearance in their second year of existence.

One other factor is the money that the NHL and its franchises generates from an expansion team. The expansion fee for the Seattle Kraken was $650 million USD, which was divided up equally between 30 of the 31 teams, Vegas excluded. By the time the NHL expands again, whether that's two, three or four years down the road, that fee will certainly be well above $700 million USD.

Now, if the NHL goes down the relocation route, there's only one logical team that could be on the move, that being the Arizona Coyotes. Relocation could also potentially get hockey to Atlanta quicker than expansion. The Coyotes are wanting to build a massive entertainment complex in Tempe and in May, there will be a vote on three propositions regarding the entertainment complex. While the NHL is optimistic that they will get the votes to move ahead with the project, if they don't, relocating the Coyotes seems to be the only option.

Would you like to see the NHL return to Atlanta? Have your say in the poll below!

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