The NHL world is buzzing with seismic news that’s sending shockwaves through hockey communities across North America. Just as anticipation was building for an announcement that many hoped would finally bring the Quebec Nordiques back to life, a surprising twist has emerged—and it’s Atlanta, not Quebec, that’s suddenly at the center of the expansion conversation.

In a move that few saw coming, a major development project has received the green light in Georgia, setting the stage for the potential return of NHL hockey to Atlanta far sooner than anyone expected. While the city’s hockey history has been marked by disappointment and departures, this latest approval signals a dramatic shift in the league’s expansion plans.

For Quebec fans, who have waited decades for the resurrection of their beloved Nordiques, the news is both frustrating and deeply disheartening. Yet, as the NHL prepares for another chapter in its ever-evolving story, the question remains: will the Nordiques ever get their long-awaited second chance, or is the dream slipping further away with each new expansion headline?

Jun 4, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman speaks to the media before game one of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images

We Have a Major Development in the NHL – And a Frustrating One for Quebec Nordiques Fans

I don’t understand why this isn’t getting more attention, but in the past few hours, a massive project has been approved in Atlanta – and it could immediately signal the return of NHL hockey there.

In a press conference as recently as last week, Gary Bettman stated that it would take a concrete and approved project to seriously consider bringing NHL hockey back to Atlanta.

Well, here it is: a concrete and approved project!

“Forsyth County votes to approve the final documentation that would allow the Krause group to formally propose NHL expansion into metro Atlanta. The group is now expected to present its complete proposal to the NHL in the coming weeks.The vote, which passed this evening, was widely seen as the final hurdle; expansion is likely imminent.”

Gary Bettman to Announce Another NHL Expansion Team, According to Allan Walsh – And One City Has Been Named

Walsh makes it very clear and direct:

“The NHL will be expanding to Atlanta within the next few seasons.”
– Allan Walsh

Wow!

Yet Another Letdown for Quebec Nordiques Fans

Imagine if, back in 2010-when rumors of the Nordiques’ return were at their peak and fans were literally tracking planes-we had known that the Atlanta Thrashers would relocate, disappear entirely, and then be revived.. all before Quebec ever got a team back.

It’s pretty unbelievable when you think about it.

Fifteen years later, probably three expansions and two relocations later, and still no Nordiques..

Do you believe there’s still hope for the return of the Nordiques, one day..