A new chapter in NHL history may be unfolding as Atlanta edges closer to welcoming back professional hockey. With the recent approval of a massive $3 billion arena project, excitement and speculation are swirling about the city’s chances of landing its third NHL franchise.

After the departures of both the Flames and the Thrashers, Atlanta’s pursuit of a new team signals renewed ambition and confidence in the city’s growth and sports culture. The conversation around NHL expansion has never been more intense, as other cities like Kansas City, Houston, and Quebec City also vie for a coveted spot in the league. Yet, with strong local backing and a state-of-the-art facility on the horizon, Atlanta is making a compelling case for its return to the hockey spotlight. As league officials and fans watch closely, anticipation builds over whether this bold move will finally secure Atlanta’s place in the NHL’s future.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

Photo credit: YardBarker

The NHL appears set to return to Atlanta at some point, and now, a new arena deal has been approved as the city look for their third NHL team.

First they were the Atlanta (now Calgary Flames), then they were the Atlanta Thrashers (now the Winnipeg Jets), and now, all signs are pointing towards the city of Atlanta getting yet another NHL team.

This comes after rumours that Kansas City, Houston, Quebec City and even Arizona have all been considered as potential spots for expansion in the NHL, and on Wednesday, their chances took a huge leap forward.

Reportedly, a $3 billion project was approved to build a new NHL arena in the city, and now, CEO of Krause Sports Vernon Krause has noted just how close this gets them to a comeback bid in the NHL.

“This vote marks a pivotal moment. We can go to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and ask him to start a process for expansion, which we’re hopeful he will do.”

At this point in time, it’s well known that Bettman would love to expand the league to at least 34 teams, with the potential for even more down the line, but with so many potential suitors, Atlanta may not be at the top of their list.

However, they’ve now got the infrastructure and the support in place to feasibly become the NHL’s 33rd franchise in the coming years, and according to Bettman, things could be different this time around.

“It’s a different place than when the Flames and the Thrashers left, in terms of how big the city is, how robust it is, the sporting interest. I don’t think the prior two visits have any bearing on whether or not we would go back, if all the other pieces that are referred to were to be put together.”

Those comments from Bettman came in recent months, and with the latest development, it appears to be just a matter of when, not if we have our third Atlanta franchise in the NHL.