Expansion project ahead in “full speed” for 33rd NHL team!

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has been repeating that there are no current plans for expansion, though he did report the NHL keeps getting interest from would-be markets. One of those markets has reportedly decided to go big to get an NHL team home as insider Kevin Weekes reports that “the South Forsyth Project in suburban Atlanta including an Arena, is all ahead full speed with the design moving quickly and interviews for builders taking place.”

This is a bold move from Atlanta, who could make a return on the NHL map. The NHL first ventured to Atlanta in 1972 and stay until 1980 before the Flames relocated to Calgary. Then, the Thrashers entered the league in 1999 but became the Winnipeg Jets in 2011.

The last two expansions that have taken place in place in the NHL have shown great success with the Vegas Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken, which has generated more interest from potential owners.

However, Atlanta isn’t the only city that has been tabbed as a potential future NHL destination. Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith recently mentioned how he’s keen on bringing a franchise to the area. Maybe he’ll put on the moves like South Forsyth is allegedly doing in order to sway Bettman into adding an NHL in Utah.

Deputy commissioner Bill Daly recently stated at the latest NHL/NHLPA player media tour that he believes Atlanta would yield better results than two previous failed expansion teams in the market.

Maybe that’s what has inspired executive in South Forsyth to go ahead with design and builders interviews.

Stay tuned.

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