Atlanta Makes Third Bid For NHL Team

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) celebrates after his shutout against the Washington Capitals with Colin Miller (6) and other teammates after an NHL hockey game in Winnipeg, Manitoba, M

Atlanta is once again vying to bring an NHL team to the city after losing both the Flames and the Thrashers in the past. Anson Carter, a former NHL player, is leading a group that has formally requested the league to consider adding an expansion team in metro Atlanta. This marks the second serious attempt to bring professional hockey back to Atlanta, which was previously home to the Flames and the Thrashers.

Ownership issues and declining attendance led to the relocation of both teams to Canadian cities, with the Flames moving to Calgary and the Thrashers to Winnipeg, where they are now known as the Jets. The NHL, currently with a 32-team lineup, has expressed willingness to discuss new team proposals, with a potential expansion fee of at least $1 billion.

While the league is not actively pursuing expansion at the moment, the interest from groups like Carter's Alpharetta Sports & Entertainment Group and Ryan Smith's bid for an NHL team in Salt Lake City has kept the topic on the radar. The NHL is closely monitoring the situation of the Arizona Coyotes, who currently play in a small college rink.

Atlanta lost Flames and Thrashers previously due to ownership and attendance issues.

Anson Carter leads group seeking NHL team in Atlanta.

NHL considering expansion with potential $1 billion fee.

Carter's group envisions a new Frank Gehry-designed arena at a redevelopment of North Point Mall, located in a prosperous suburb north of downtown Atlanta. Another proposal for an 18,000-seat arena in southern Forsyth County has also emerged, indicating a growing interest in bringing NHL hockey back to the Atlanta area.

The potential arenas are strategically located in the northern suburbs of Atlanta, aiming to tap into a large pool of potential NHL fans. These proposals represent a shift from the previous downtown arena locations of the city's former teams, offering a fresh perspective on the future of professional hockey in Atlanta.

The proposed developments include not only the arenas but also plans for additional sports facilities, entertainment venues, retail spaces, and residential areas. While funding details are yet to be disclosed, local officials have expressed support for these initiatives, signaling a positive outlook for the potential return of NHL hockey to Atlanta.