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Breaking News: Kevin Weekes Drops Hints About Potential NHL Expansion Site With A New Arena

Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X April 16, 2023
3 1 minute read

Earlier today, NHL insider Kevin Weekes speculated that the league might expand to Atlanta.
Lets dive deeper in and see how this could affect Canadian markets, specifically Nordiques and Winnipeg Jets fans.

In Weekes’ tweet he states that there will be an announcement about the development of a new arena in Atlanta tomorrow (Monday April 17th). He concludes the tweet by wondering if a team will come to Atlanta if the arena is built.

From 1972 to 1980, Atlanta was home to the Atlanta Flames, who were eventually replaced by the Calgary Flames. The Atlanta Thrashers gave Atlanta a second chance at an NHL team in 1999.
However, in 2011, the team relocated to Winnipeg and is now known as the Winnipeg Jets, one of Canada’s seven teams.

This may open up a new world of possibilities, but two stand out. The first is the NHL expanding beyond 32 teams, and if the NHL does this, will they have to seriously consider bringing a team to Quebec?

The second option will not be popular among Canadian hockey fans. The Winnipeg Jets could be relocated back here. Except for the Arizona Coyotes, the Winnipeg Jets currently have the smallest arena in the NHL. In comparison, the AHL’s Chicago Wolves have just barely over a 1,000-seater arena.

The Jets also struggled to sell out games consistently this season, fueling speculation that they might relocate. Many fans will despise this possibility because it would deprive a team of one of the most devout fanbases in all of hockey.

Is the news that Atlanta is building an arena capable of housing an NHL franchise the end of the Winnipeg Jets, or the beginning of further NHL expansion to locations such as Quebec?

Igor Burdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine
I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!
Igor Burdetskiy
Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X April 16, 2023
3 1 minute read
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