What Happened to the Atlanta Thrashers – And Who Are They Now?

If you’ve lived in Atlanta long enough, you probably remember the Atlanta Thrashers, the city’s former NHL team that played at Philips Arena downtown. Today, many people still ask: “Who are the Atlanta Thrashers now?” and “Where did our team go?”

Here’s a clear breakdown of what happened, where the team is now, and what that means for hockey fans in Atlanta, Georgia today.

Quick Answer: Who Are the Atlanta Thrashers Now?

The Atlanta Thrashers franchise no longer exists in Atlanta. The team:

• Was sold and relocated in 2011
• Became the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League
• Plays its home games in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, not Georgia

So, when people ask “Who are the Atlanta Thrashers now?”, the direct answer is:

The team’s history and records from 1999–2011 are part of that same franchise line, just in a different city with a different name.

A Short History of the Atlanta Thrashers

How the Thrashers Started

• The Atlanta Thrashers were an NHL expansion team that began play in the 1999–2000 season.
• They played home games at Philips Arena (now State Farm Arena) in downtown Atlanta.
• The team’s name and logo were inspired by the Brown Thrasher, the state bird of Georgia.

For local fans, this was Atlanta’s second chance at NHL hockey, after the Atlanta Flames left for Calgary in the 1980s.

When and Why They Left

• In 2011, the Thrashers’ ownership group sold the team.
• The franchise was relocated to Winnipeg, a Canadian city with a long hockey history.
• Starting in the 2011–2012 season, the team officially became the Winnipeg Jets.

From the NHL’s perspective, it was a relocation, not a new franchise, so the Thrashers’ history moved with the team.

Where the Team Is Now: The Winnipeg Jets

Today, the Winnipeg Jets:

• Are an active NHL team in the Western Conference
• Play home games at Canada Life Centre in downtown Winnipeg
• Carry the former Atlanta Thrashers franchise records, including players, stats, and franchise milestones from the Atlanta years

If you followed players like Ilya Kovalchuk, Dany Heatley, or Marian Hossa during the Thrashers era, they are part of the same franchise history that now sits under the Winnipeg Jets name.

Thrashers vs. Jets: Quick Comparison

Here’s a simple way to see the transition:

For Atlantans, this means that the NHL franchise that once played here no longer operates in Georgia, even though its history lives on in another city.

Is There Still NHL Hockey in Atlanta?

No, there is no current NHL team based in Atlanta.

• The Atlanta Flames left for Calgary in 1980.
• The Atlanta Thrashers left for Winnipeg in 2011.

As of now, Atlanta is not home to an NHL franchise, and all official NHL games involving the former Thrashers franchise are played as Winnipeg Jets games in Canada.

However, that doesn’t mean hockey is dead in Atlanta. Far from it.

Hockey Options in Atlanta Today

If you’re in Atlanta and you miss the Thrashers, you still have several ways to stay connected to hockey.

1. Watching NHL Games in Atlanta

You can still follow:

• The Winnipeg Jets if you want to track the former Thrashers franchise
• Any other NHL team you prefer as a fan

Many Atlanta sports bars and restaurants—especially around:

• Downtown
• Midtown
• The Battery Atlanta in Cobb County

often put on NHL games during the season, especially during the playoffs. Calling ahead to ask if they’ll show a Jets game or another team’s matchup is a practical step.

2. Atlanta’s Local and Regional Hockey Scene

While there’s no NHL team, there are:

• Minor league and semi-pro teams in the broader region
• College and club hockey teams that sometimes play exhibitions or tournaments in or near the metro area
• Occasional special hockey events, youth tournaments, and showcases held at local rinks

These can be good options if you want live hockey without traveling far from Atlanta.

Where to Play or Skate in the Atlanta Area

If losing the Thrashers made you want to get more involved on the ice, the Atlanta metro area has several rinks where you can skate, play amateur hockey, or join a league. Some commonly known ice facilities include:

• The Cooler – Alpharetta
• Atlanta IceForum – Duluth (Gwinnett County)
• Center Ice Arena – Sandy Springs
• KSU Ice Arena – Kennesaw (used for certain programs and events)

These facilities typically offer:

• Public skate sessions
• Adult hockey leagues and pickup games
• Youth hockey programs and learn-to-skate classes
• Occasional hockey camps and clinics

If you’re in Atlanta proper, these rinks are generally reachable via:

• GA-400 to Alpharetta or Sandy Springs
• I-85 to Duluth
• I-75 to reach Kennesaw

Calling the rink or checking their posted schedule is usually the best way to find:

• 🏒 Adult beginner leagues
• 🧒 Youth and beginner hockey programs
• ⛸️ Figure skating or general skating lessons

What This Means for Atlanta Sports Fans

Even though the Atlanta Thrashers are now the Winnipeg Jets, Atlanta is still a major sports city with:

• NFL: Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• NBA: Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena (the former Thrashers’ home)
• MLB: Atlanta Braves at Truist Park
• MLS: Atlanta United FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

If you miss top-level hockey in downtown Atlanta, you’re not alone. Many long-time residents still remember game nights at Philips Arena, the unique jerseys, and the Thrashers’ bird logo.

Common Questions Atlantans Ask About the Thrashers

Are the Atlanta Thrashers Coming Back?

As of now, there is no active NHL team in Atlanta, and no confirmed, official plan to bring one back. Expansion or relocation decisions are made by NHL leadership and team owners, and they can change over time—but nothing is guaranteed.

Can I Still Buy Atlanta Thrashers Gear?

Yes, you can still find:

• Vintage Thrashers jerseys
• Hats, shirts, and memorabilia

These items are usually sold as collector or retro gear, and you may see them worn by long-time fans around neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, and the suburbs on game days or at local rinks.

Who Owns the Former Thrashers’ Records?

All official team records, playoff appearances, and stats from 1999–2011 belong to the Winnipeg Jets franchise, which is the direct continuation of the Atlanta Thrashers in the NHL’s structure.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta and Curious About Hockey

If you’re visiting Atlanta and wondering what remains of the Thrashers:

• The arena they played in is now State Farm Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks, next to the CNN Center and Mercedes-Benz Stadium downtown.
• You won’t see NHL hockey there, but you can still tour the area, attend an NBA game, or explore nearby attractions like Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia World Congress Center.
• To get an ice fix, you could plan a short drive to one of the metro ice rinks for public skating or to watch a local league game.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• The Atlanta Thrashers no longer exist as an Atlanta team.
• The franchise moved to Winnipeg in 2011 and is now the Winnipeg Jets.
• NHL hockey is not currently played in Atlanta, but the hockey community here is active through rinks, youth programs, adult leagues, and watch parties.
• If you call Atlanta home—or are just visiting—you can still stay connected to the former Thrashers franchise by following the Winnipeg Jets, and you can stay connected to the sport of hockey by using the many local ice facilities around the metro area.

With that, the answer to “Who are the Atlanta Thrashers now?” is simple for anyone in Atlanta: