If you live in Atlanta and still miss the Atlanta Thrashers, you’re not alone. Many local hockey fans still wear the blue bird logo, talk about old games at Philips Arena (now State Farm Arena), and wonder: “Are the Atlanta Thrashers coming back?”
The short answer:
There is no official plan right now to bring the Atlanta Thrashers back to the NHL.
However, there is serious ongoing discussion about the NHL returning to the Atlanta area—just not necessarily with the Thrashers name, and not necessarily inside the city limits.
Below is a clear breakdown of what’s happening, what’s realistic, and what Atlanta hockey fans can actually do and enjoy today.
As of now:
When people ask, “Are the Atlanta Thrashers coming back?”, what they usually mean is:
Will the NHL return to metro Atlanta in some form?
On that question, there has been renewed interest and discussion, especially in the northern suburbs.
Understanding the past helps make sense of the current expansion conversations.
The Atlanta Thrashers played in the NHL from 1999 to 2011, based downtown at what is now State Farm Arena. They eventually moved and became the Winnipeg Jets.
Common reasons often mentioned for their departure include:
For Atlantans, the emotional takeaway was simple:
The city lost its second NHL team (the Atlanta Flames moved to Calgary in 1980), and many fans were left skeptical that big-league hockey would ever come back.
Despite the history, Atlanta remains attractive in some key ways:
Recent expansion talk around the league has often mentioned Atlanta alongside a few other cities as a possible future market. That doesn’t mean a team is guaranteed—only that Atlanta is part of the conversation again.
Most recent chatter about “Atlanta getting a team back” is actually centered outside the city, in fast-growing areas north of I-285.
Two of the most commonly discussed areas:
These locations are attractive for a few reasons:
If an NHL team does come back to the Atlanta area, current talk suggests it would most likely be in the northern suburbs, rather than downtown.
That means:
The NHL might return to metro Atlanta, but not necessarily as “the Atlanta Thrashers” playing in the old building.
From an Atlanta fan perspective, there are two separate questions:
Right now:
So if you’re specifically hoping, “Will the Atlanta Thrashers, as we knew them, come back?”
→ That is very unlikely.
If your question is broader—“Will NHL hockey return to metro Atlanta in any form?”
→ It’s possible in the long term, but nothing is officially confirmed.
Here’s a simple, at-a-glance view for locals wondering about the Thrashers:
| Question | Current Situation for Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Are the Atlanta Thrashers franchise coming back? | No official plan. The original team is now the Winnipeg Jets. |
| Is the NHL considering the Atlanta area again? | Yes, it is frequently discussed, especially in relation to northern suburbs. |
| Is there an approved expansion or relocation to Atlanta? | Not at this time. No formal commitment. |
| Where would a future team likely play? | Most talk centers on northern suburbs (e.g., Forsyth / Gwinnett), not downtown. |
| Can I still watch or play hockey in Atlanta now? | Yes. There are local leagues, rinks, and minor-league/pro-level games in the metro area. |
Even without an NHL team, there is still real hockey to watch and play in and around Atlanta.
While team names and affiliations can change over time, metro Atlanta has consistently hosted:
These teams often play at arenas such as:
If you miss live hockey, these games can offer:
Check current local team schedules and league listings to see who’s playing in any given season.
If you’re in Atlanta and want more than just memories of the Thrashers, you can still get on the ice.
Some well-known ice rinks and hockey hubs in the metro area include:
These facilities typically offer:
For Atlantans who grew up watching the Thrashers, getting involved at a local rink is one of the most practical ways to keep hockey alive in your own neighborhood while the NHL’s long-term plans play out.
If you care deeply about NHL hockey coming back to the Atlanta area, these steps can help you stay in the loop and involved:
While rumors move fast, confirmed expansion or relocation news will always come from:
Until something is announced at that level, any talk of “Thrashers returning next year” should be treated as speculation.
In metro Atlanta, a new NHL team would almost certainly require a new or significantly upgraded arena, likely part of a larger mixed-use project.
For Atlanta residents, pay attention to:
These types of projects often go through:
Fan interest is often part of the argument for expansion. Ways to show that Atlanta is still a strong hockey market include:
While it doesn’t guarantee an NHL team, visible local engagement shows that hockey demand in Atlanta is real and growing.
For an Atlanta resident or visitor, here’s the realistic picture:
So if your question is “Are the Atlanta Thrashers coming back?” the most accurate Atlanta-focused answer today is:
No, the Thrashers themselves are not returning, but the possibility of NHL hockey returning to the Atlanta area in a new form remains open—and is being watched closely by both the league and local fans.
