Atlanta one step closer to receiving expansion franchise

Talk about expansion has been an on again off again discussion with the National Hockey League however with the idea of any relocation seemingly off the table for any of the thirty-two teams that currently play in the National Hockey League it would appear that the possibility of Atlanta receiving a franchise for the third time since the Atlanta Flames touched down in 1972 may be one step closer, but maybe not.

According to reports out of Georgia, a vote took place to consider whether the developers of the land an arena could be placed took place and the results were a resounding 4-1 in favour of the idea moving forward.


Unfortunately, this doesn't mean concretely that Atlanta will be afforded a franchise as there are an awful lot of things that are required to get done before it happens, but it certainly looks like it is a step in the right direction. However, if the league were to award the city a franchise, it would appear that the county itself would not be responsible for any funding of an arena. This could add an enormous wrinkle to the entire equation as it is unclear whether a developer would consider moving forward with the project without the proof that a team would be playing their in the future.


The only thing that is certain at this point which had been reported weeks ago is that a group comprised of Anson Carter is pushing for the NHL to consider the idea to come back to the Peach State. Is the third time a charm for the city of Atlanta? At this point, only time will tell.