If you search for an Atlanta NHL team, you’ll quickly notice something: Atlanta does not currently have a National Hockey League team. But the city has a long and complicated history with the NHL, and there’s ongoing conversation about whether pro hockey could come back.
This guide breaks down what Atlanta residents, visitors, and sports fans need to know about:
No. Atlanta does not have an NHL team at this time.
Atlanta has had two NHL franchises in the past:
Both teams relocated to Canadian cities. Today, if you live in Atlanta and want to follow the NHL, you’ll be cheering for out-of-town teams, often the ones that used to play here.
Atlanta first joined the NHL in the early 1970s with the Atlanta Flames, who played at The Omni in downtown Atlanta (where State Farm Arena and CNN Center are now located).
Key points:
Reasons often cited for the move include:
Atlanta lost its first NHL team in 1980, but the story didn’t end there.
Hockey returned to Atlanta in 1999 with the Atlanta Thrashers, playing at what is now State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta:
Common factors discussed about why the Thrashers left include:
By 2011, Atlanta had lost its second NHL franchise, and the city has been without an NHL team ever since.
There’s no single official reason, but a few themes come up often when people in and around the league talk about Atlanta:
That said, Atlanta is still viewed as a large, growing sports market, which is why people continue to talk about the possibility of the NHL returning someday.
As of now, there is no active NHL team in Atlanta and no official NHL expansion team approved for the city.
However, people in the hockey world and local sports community regularly discuss Atlanta as a potential future NHL market because:
You might also hear about possible suburban arena locations, especially in rapidly developing areas in the metro region. These conversations change over time, and they are speculative, not confirmed commitments.
If you want to stay updated as an Atlanta resident or visitor:
Until any formal announcement is made, an Atlanta NHL team is a “maybe,” not a “coming soon.”
Even without a local franchise, Atlanta residents have several ways to follow the NHL.
Many sports bars in and around Atlanta show NHL games, especially during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Popular areas include:
To watch a specific game, it’s wise to call ahead and ask if they can show your preferred matchup.
Most Atlanta hockey fans watch via:
Blackout rules and channel availability depend on your provider and package, so many people in Atlanta check details directly with their TV or streaming service.
Even without an NHL team, Atlanta has an active amateur and recreational hockey scene. If you live in the city or nearby suburbs, you have options for both ice hockey and roller hockey.
Some well-known ice facilities that commonly host public skating, hockey leagues, and youth programs include:
The Cooler – Alpharetta
10800 Davis Dr, Alpharetta, GA 30009
Atlanta IceForum – Duluth
2300 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30097
Center Ice Arena – Sandy Springs
5750 Roswell Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30342
The Ice – Cumming
1345 Atlanta Hwy, Cumming, GA 30040
Facilities like these typically offer:
Calling or checking schedules directly with the rink is the best way to get current information on league sign-ups and open ice.
Atlanta does not currently host a full-time major professional hockey team, but you may find:
These can be a fun way for residents and visitors to enjoy competitive hockey at a smaller scale and lower cost than NHL games.
Many long-time Atlanta hockey fans still feel connected to the teams that moved:
Others adopt nearby or popular NHL teams, often based on:
In Atlanta, you’ll run into fans of all sorts of NHL teams, which can make watching games at sports bars lively and diverse.
| Year(s) | Team Name | Arena Location | What Happened |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972–1980 | Atlanta Flames | The Omni (Downtown) | Relocated to Calgary (Calgary Flames) |
| 1999–2011 | Atlanta Thrashers | Philips/State Farm Arena (Downtown) | Relocated to Winnipeg (Winnipeg Jets) |
| 2011–Present | — | — | No NHL team currently in Atlanta |
If the NHL ever did return to the Atlanta region, it would most likely mean:
Until then, Atlanta residents who love hockey typically:
For now, Atlanta is a major sports city without an NHL team, but with a fan base and infrastructure that keep the hockey conversation very much alive.
