A new arena in Atlanta is an excellent sign for the NHL’s return

The city of Atlanta got big news on Thursday, as Forsyth County voted to approve the concept of a $3 billion dollar multi-use entertainment complex, with one of those possible uses being for an NHL team. It’s a major step in the process of hockey’s return to Atlanta, and it may open the doors for expansion there.

Of course, hockey hasn’t exactly worked in Atlanta so far in the NHL. The Atlanta Flames lasted just eight seasons in the 1970s before they were relocated to Calgary, and then the Atlanta Thrashers only survived for 12 before they moved to Winnipeg. But perhaps with a new arena in a market possibly more suitable for it, the third time may be the charm.

Frank Seravalli talked about the news in Atlanta, and if it’s a good indication for expansion for the NHL, on Daily Faceoff Live.

Frank Seravalli: No, this is very legitimate. This is the Krause Group in Atlanta with the Forsyth County. They’ve been operating at full steam here. They’ve viewed this as a huge hurdle to actually getting a team.

You heard the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner at the Stanley Cup Final to kick off this series say that they’re not opening a formal expansion process. But what they’re going to do is allow any group that feels like they’ve got all of their ducks in a row to come in and make a pitch and see whether they get a thumbs up or thumbs down from the executive committee and the board of governors.

This group seems as well positioned as any, and I think with proper arena placement targeting the core demographic of hockey fans that they feel like they could be successful and get a team. I think it’s a very real possibility, if not likely that the NHL will be back in Atlanta when this opens.

You can watch the full episode here…