Insider reveals one city is making a major push for an NHL team after announcement of major project
The NHL isn't even 2-years removed from the addition of the Seattle Kraken to the league. However, it appears that the NHL is already looking at expanding the league to 34 teams. Gary Bettman has made it clear he sees expansion as a key component to growth of the game, but ultimately it's likely the nearly 1 billion dollar expansion fee motivating him.
Bill Daly recently claimed the league was only in an exploration phase, and nothing concrete was in the works. Yesterday though insider Kevin Weekes revealed that the City of Atlanta is working hard to help entice the NHL back to Georgia. According to Weekes it is expected today that Atlanta will announce a new arena that could house an NHL team.
Tomorrow's news for an announcement regarding a forthcoming Arena development project in Georgia large enough to house Hockey Team. If you build it, will they come?
Despite two failed attempts to make the Atlanta market work, the Georgia area is a market the NHL has long coveted. The construction of a new arena could give the NHL multiple options. Should the league chose to expand, Atlanta could be a viable market, but if the NHL and Arizona Coyotes lose their upcoming vote, Atlanta could be a relocation market.
In the past the NHL has struggled in Atlanta due to ownership issues, could a new ownership group overcome this issue or is Atlanta a doomed market?
| POLL | ||
Does Atlanta deserve a 3rd chance at an NHL team? | ||
| No, they've had their opportunities | 65 | 78.3 % |
| Yes, the city isn't the issue ownership was | 10 | 12 % |
| Only as a relocation option, but not for expansion | 8 | 9.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
