NHL Considers Returning to a Previously Unsuccessful City for Expansion

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Tom Banks
September 12, 2023 (7:14 PM)

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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'