NHL Deputy Commissioner shocks fans with announcing a surprising possible expansion city

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Josh Tupper
September 12, 2023 (9:39 PM)

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The NHL expansion to both Las Vegas and Seattle have been resounding successes. With that in mind the NHL is already considering possible destinations for their 33rd team and beyond.

It's been 12 years since the NHL left Atlanta. This marked the second time a franchise failed in Atlanta, but it now appears that the NHL is open to returning at some point in the future for a 3rd time.

In an interview with ESPN's Greg Whyshynski, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly shared that the league is considering a return to Atlanta and that they feel they can overcome some of the issues the two previous franchises had in the past.

"I think some of the challenges that we've seen in the past in Atlanta can be overcome," Daly said.

Daly added, "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. I think a lot of bigger businesses are in Atlanta (now)."

Daly went on to say that the location of an arena in Atlanta will be an important details in deciding whether or not they have a shot at a third NHL franchise in the city.

Earlier this year, a proposal was brought forward for a $2 billion arena and entertainment district in Forsyth County, Georgia that would include an 18,000-seat arena as a potential home for an NHL franchise.

"I also think that rink location will be important with any decision to locate a franchise in Atlanta," Daly said. "I think if you use the Braves as an example, they struggled, as I understand it, attendance-wise for years, even though they had a very successful team on the field. Their latest stadium is in a perfect location and sells out regularly."

Do you think the city of Atlanta should get a third NHL franchise or should other cities like Houston, Salt Lake City and Portland get an opportunity? Let us know your thoughts in the poll below!