Possible NHL Expansion To Spark Old Rivalry Between The New York Rangers And This Lost Franchise
Photo credit: Augusta Chronicle
The New York Rangers could find an old rival bourgeoning in old territory. Discussions of expansion in the NHL continue to heat up, with Gary Bettman and Bill Daly's latest statements making the airwaves.
The New York Rangers have made the playoffs regularly throughout their storied history in the NHL. Their opposition at times has consisted of a team that has been rendered defunct by way of relocation.
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly was asked about expansion before the beginning of the 2025-26 season. One of the cities discussed was Atlanta, where the Thrashers once played.
Could they play there again?
"It's definitely not 'shovels in the ground.' It is having a fully baked plan to propose," Daly said, h/t ESPN. "I think both groups are aspirational in what they want to achieve and how they intend to get there, but we haven't gotten more than that. We need a plan that's a little more actionable than where we currently are."
This may be promising news for hockey fans in Atlanta, who lost their club in the 2010s due to relocation. The team would become the Winnipeg Jets as we know them now. Blake Wheeler, a former Ranger, was another Thrasher player who retired recently
Could We See The New York Rangers Rival Return to the NHL?
The Rangers and Thrashers won't be meeting up anytime soon. As it sounds like there are discussions regarding the future of an expansion there, nothing is definite.
No proposals were sent through. There has been one interested party in bringing the NHL back to Atlanta; the Forsyth County Commission has proposed construction of an arena that could host an NHL team in the area in a $3 billion development package.
The cost to buy in nowadays is high, and for the people of Atlanta, there has been no serious movement for a new team.
The Thrashers were founded in 1997 and didn't make their NHL debut until the 1999 NHL season.
Ilya Kovalchuk was the team's biggest star, starring in 594 games for the club but never tasting NHL success.
The Rangers defeated the Thrashers in a definitive sweep in 2007, and they won't have the chance to get it back, yet.
Until Gary Bettman and the board of governors feel it's profitable enough, we probably won't see a 33rd or 34th team in the league..
Previously on Bladeofsteel
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