What Happened to Atlanta’s NHL Team – And Will the NHL Ever Return?

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:

• Atlanta’s past NHL teams
• Why the Flames and Thrashers left
• Where to watch NHL hockey in Atlanta now
• Local hockey options if you want to play or follow the sport
• What people are saying about a potential new NHL team in the Atlanta area

Does Atlanta Have an NHL Team Right Now?

No. Atlanta does not have an NHL team at this time.

Atlanta has had two NHL franchises in the past:

• The Atlanta Flames (1972–1980)
• The Atlanta Thrashers (1999–2011)

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.

A Quick History of Atlanta’s NHL Teams

The Atlanta Flames (1972–1980)

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:

• Played from 1972 to 1980
• Home arena: The Omni (demolished in the 1990s)
• Relocated to Calgary, where they became the Calgary Flames

Reasons often cited for the move include:

• Lower-than-expected attendance and revenue
• Challenges building a strong hockey fan base in a non-traditional market
• Financial concerns around the team and facility

Atlanta lost its first NHL team in 1980, but the story didn’t end there.

The Atlanta Thrashers (1999–2011)

Hockey returned to Atlanta in 1999 with the Atlanta Thrashers, playing at what is now State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta:

• Played from 1999 to 2011
• Home arena: Philips Arena, now State Farm Arena
• Relocated to Winnipeg, becoming the Winnipeg Jets (current franchise)

Common factors discussed about why the Thrashers left include:

• Inconsistent on-ice success (few playoff appearances)
• Ownership changes and financial issues
• Difficulty maintaining strong, consistent attendance compared with more established hockey markets

By 2011, Atlanta had lost its second NHL franchise, and the city has been without an NHL team ever since.

Why Doesn’t Atlanta Have an NHL Team Now?

There’s no single official reason, but a few themes come up often when people in and around the league talk about Atlanta:

• Market challenges for hockey in a warm-weather, non-traditional hockey region
• Arena and ownership stability issues over time
• Intense competition from Atlanta’s other major teams:
  • Atlanta Braves (MLB)
  • Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
  • Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
  • Atlanta United FC (MLS)

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.

Is the NHL Coming Back to Atlanta?

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:

• Metro Atlanta continues to grow rapidly
• The region has shown strong support for teams like Atlanta United FC
• There’s an expanding youth and amateur hockey presence in the area

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:

• Follow local sports news outlets based in Atlanta
• Watch for announcements from the NHL and major local ownership groups

Until any formal announcement is made, an Atlanta NHL team is a “maybe,” not a “coming soon.”

Where Can You Watch NHL Hockey in Atlanta?

Even without a local franchise, Atlanta residents have several ways to follow the NHL.

1. Sports Bars and Restaurants

Many sports bars in and around Atlanta show NHL games, especially during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Popular areas include:

• Downtown and Midtown – walkable from State Farm Arena and major hotels
• Buckhead – known for sports bars and nightlife
• Cumberland/The Battery area – close to Truist Park but often shows national games across sports

To watch a specific game, it’s wise to call ahead and ask if they can show your preferred matchup.

2. Home Viewing

Most Atlanta hockey fans watch via:

• Cable/satellite sports channels that carry national NHL coverage
• Streaming services that offer NHL games

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.

Local Hockey in Atlanta: What If You Want to Play?

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.

Ice Rinks in the Metro Atlanta Area

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:

• Adult hockey leagues (beginner through advanced)
• Youth hockey programs
• Learn-to-skate and learn-to-play-hockey classes
• Public skating sessions

Calling or checking schedules directly with the rink is the best way to get current information on league sign-ups and open ice.

Local College and Minor-Level Hockey

Atlanta does not currently host a full-time major professional hockey team, but you may find:

• Club college hockey teams at regional universities
• Occasional tournaments, showcases, or special hockey events held at area rinks

These can be a fun way for residents and visitors to enjoy competitive hockey at a smaller scale and lower cost than NHL games.

Atlanta NHL Team Legacy: What Team Should You Root For?

Many long-time Atlanta hockey fans still feel connected to the teams that moved:

• Some follow the Calgary Flames, remembering the original Atlanta Flames era
• Others support the Winnipeg Jets, which grew out of the Atlanta Thrashers franchise

Others adopt nearby or popular NHL teams, often based on:

• Favorite players
• Family ties to other cities
• Teams that frequently appear on national broadcasts

In Atlanta, you’ll run into fans of all sorts of NHL teams, which can make watching games at sports bars lively and diverse.

Simple Timeline: Atlanta and the NHL

How an NHL Return Could Affect Atlanta Sports Fans

If the NHL ever did return to the Atlanta region, it would most likely mean:

• A new or renovated arena serving as a long-term hockey home
• Greater visibility for youth and amateur hockey programs
• Another option for winter and spring sports entertainment alongside the Hawks and United

Until then, Atlanta residents who love hockey typically:

• Watch NHL games on TV or streaming
• Attend games when traveling to NHL cities
• Play or watch local amateur hockey at area rinks

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• Atlanta does not currently have an NHL team.
• The city previously hosted the Atlanta Flames and Atlanta Thrashers, both of which relocated to Canadian cities.
• There is ongoing speculation, but no official plan for an NHL team to return to Atlanta right now.
• Local hockey is very much alive through ice rinks, adult leagues, and youth programs across metro Atlanta.
• If you’re in Atlanta and want to connect with the sport, you can:
  • Watch NHL games at sports bars or at home
  • Join or watch games at rinks like The Cooler (Alpharetta), Atlanta IceForum (Duluth), or Center Ice Arena (Sandy Springs)
  • Follow former Atlanta franchises like the Calgary Flames or Winnipeg Jets if you want a historic tie-in

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.