The NHL is exploring the possibility of expanding its market by reviving a long-defunct team, and Atlanta has emerged as a promising candidate. The league has expressed a keen interest in the city as a potential market, with an ownership group already lined up to submit a bid.
There are strong indications that the former Atlanta Thrashers could be the team being revived, bringing top-tier hockey back to the state for the first time since 2011. Interestingly, some former Thrashers players, such as Blake Wheeler, are still playing in the NHL.
With uncertainty surrounding the arena deal in Arizona, Atlanta could be a viable option for a new team in the near future. However, it remains to be seen whether the league's interest in Atlanta will materialize into a full-fledged revival of the Thrashers or a completely new franchise. Only time will tell.