Evander Kane hints at return to Atlanta

Stop us if you've heard this one before - but the National Hockey League is once again thinking about expansion, and a city that's already had the NHL come and go twice before may be getting a third opportunity.

"I think some of the challenges that we've seen in the past in Atlanta can be overcome," NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly explained last month.

"Having said that, particularly with the success of the Vegas and Seattle expansions, there are more people who want to own professional hockey teams.....I think times have changed pretty dramatically and the market demographics have changed pretty dramatically since the first time we went there and then again in 1999," he said. "I think a lot of bigger businesses are in Atlanta [now]."

Both the Atlanta Flames and the Atlanta Thrashers both relocated due to ownership and financial issues; the played from 1972 to 1980 before moving to Calgary, while the Thrashers played from 1999 to 2011 before moving to Winnipeg to become the 2nd version of the Jets.

One player who suited up for the Thrashers during his career is current Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane, who threw his full support behind a third attempt for the NHL to land in Atlanta.

"You talk about a great city to live in," Kane said. "A great city to be a part of. The fan base. Everybody talks about a lack of fans, but the fanbase we had there was so awesome. They were so passionate about us as a hockey team. We had fans at practice all the time. As an 18-year-old, I loved being there. Great travel. Four other major sports. There are lots to do. It's a hub, you can get anywhere in the U.S. or even internationally from Atlanta. There are so many good things I have to say about it. I would be 100 percent supportive."

So, would Kane consider playing in Atlanta again?

"Yes, yes I would I come from Vancouver, which is a melting pot for a lot of different cultures," he said. "I go as an 18-year-old to Atlanta where you're most likely either black, white or you're both. So it was a bit of a culture change for me but I definitely picked up on southern hospitality in a real genuine way. Made it very welcoming for me to be part of that community."

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