NHL Considers Returning to a Previously Unsuccessful City for Expansion
PUBLICATION
Tom Banks
September 12, 2023 (7:14 PM)
The NHL has had both good and bad expansion teams over their history, and after two great ones in recent times, we've potentially now heard their next target for expansion.
Another opportunity
After expanding not once but twice to the city of Atlanta, the NHL has now revealed they're considering the city as a strong possibility for their next expansion team.
Nothing appears to be imminent, but according to Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, this is under major consideration if the league are to expand once more.
I think times have changed pretty dramatically and the market demographics have changed pretty dramatically since the first time we went there and then again in 1999. I think a lot of bigger businesses are in Atlanta (now).
Third time's the charm?
The city of Atlanta has had both the Flames (moved to Calgary) and the Thrashers (moved to Winnipeg), but now, it appears the city is set up for major success, and the NHL are keeping an eye on it.
Ultimately, 32 teams is a very good number for the NHL, but with so much young talent coming into the league, there's always going to be the talent there, and if the money makes sense, this is a move that could be made by the league.
As Read on The Score - NHL open to Atlanta expansion again: 'Times have changed pretty dramatically'
POLL |
Could the third time be the charm for the city of Atlanta and the NHL? |
Yes | 158 | 25.2 % |
No | 470 | 74.8 % |
List of polls |
|
4 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Craig Berube Blasts NHL Officiating During the Game vs. the Washington Capitals |
|
8 hours ago | By Austin Kelly Toronto Maple Leafs All-Time Best Line Combinations |
|
9 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Maple Leafs Must Exploit Divisional Rival in Trade to Land Key Forward |
|
12 hours ago | By Chris Gerics NHL Insider Pierre Lebrun Confident Mitch Marner Will Sign Extension with the Maple Leafs, Reveals Timeline |
|
13 hours ago | By Tom Banks Jacob Trouba Traded to the Anaheim Ducks, Per Insiders |
|
13 hours ago | By Chris Gerics New York Rangers Confirm Jacob Trouba's Trade Fate in Latest Report, Per Elliotte Friedman |
|
14 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Three Teams Urgently Pursuing Jacob Trouba, Per Darren Dreger |
|
15 hours ago | By Austin Kelly New York Rangers Drop Staggering Announcement on Jacob Trouba: Trade Could be Imminent, Per Elliotte Friedman |
Previously on HockeyPatrol