Can Tavares Save The Thrashers?

If you didn't see tonight's 7-0 Thrasher loss to the Flyers, the bounces certainly didn't go Atlanta's way but the score still didn't reflect their utter incompetence. Philly scored seven, SEVEN, goals and Mike Richards missed a penalty shot to boot! The listed attendance was just 13,207, and we all know how inflated attendance numbers are - especially when teams that average less than 14,000 lose their share of the league's revenue.

They are a terrible team in a weak market and will certainly challenge for the top overall pick in the 2009 draft. So what would happen if they actually got it?

The top candidates for that pick are center John Tavares and defenseman Victor Hedman, and I would have to say that it is almost assured that the Thrashers would pick Tavares. They picked a blueliner last year (Zach Bogosian) and, more importantly, Atlanta hasn't had a center to compliment Kovalchuk since Marc Savard left. With Kovy due to become a unrestricted free agent after next season, Tavares might just be the deciding factor to keep him in the Dirty Sow.

So many questions arise out of the possibilities. Could history repeat itself and we see another Lindros-esque deal where one team gets the pieces to a championship and the other gets the name they crave? Tavares, for his part, just wants to get the hell out of the OHL so it doesn't appear that he will turn down a deal from whichever NHL team picks him. On the other side of the coin, could Atlanta get the pieces to a championship for young Mister Tavares? Toronto will certainly have the assets and the interest. Would Atlanta rather go for the game-breaking talent and hope that it is enough to entice Kovy to give up his freedom and sign a long term deal?

And the most interesting question that came to my mind is will Gary Bettman bully influence the Thrashers' decision and force them to keep Tavares? He is on the record with his dedication to keeping these 30 cities, no matter how little they support hockey and Crosby got the Pens to stay in Pittsburgh.

But think of it, Tavares/Kovalchuk could make for a helluva marquee in Vegas. Bettman's ego would take a large hit since he swore up and down that the cap would bring stability to his 30 teams but perhaps the obvious revenue gain would be enough for him to suck it up? I doubt it.

We will just have to wait and see but in the meantime I have one more question: if the Rangers defeat the Thrashers by anything less than seven goals on Thursday, will it be a disappointment??

 "Can Tavares Save the Thrashers? The Quest for NHL Hockey in Atlanta"

The city of Atlanta has a storied history with professional sports, from the Braves on the baseball diamond to the Hawks on the basketball court. Yet, when it comes to the ice, the city's relationship with the NHL has been tumultuous, marked by the rise and fall of the Atlanta Thrashers. Recently, there has been speculation about the return of an NHL franchise to Atlanta, with the possibility of a team led by superstar John Tavares. In this article, we will explore the history of the Thrashers, the potential for an NHL revival in Atlanta, and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) surrounding the prospect of John Tavares saving the Thrashers.

The Rise and Fall of the Atlanta Thrashers

Birth of the Thrashers

The Atlanta Thrashers were born in 1999 as one of the NHL's expansion teams. The team was named after the brown thrasher, Georgia's state bird, and brought NHL hockey to the Southeastern United States for the first time.

Early Struggles

The Thrashers struggled in their early years, both on the ice and in building a dedicated fan base. Despite having some talented players, the team had difficulty finding consistent success, which hindered their ability to establish a strong presence in the Atlanta sports scene.

Promising Years and Playoff Appearances

The mid-2000s brought promise to the Thrashers, with the team making its first playoff appearance in the 2006-2007 season. However, the success was short-lived as they were swept in the first round by the New York Rangers.

Relocation and the Winnipeg Jets

Financial challenges, attendance issues, and ownership changes eventually led to the relocation of the Thrashers. In 2011, the franchise moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, becoming the Winnipeg Jets, leaving a void in Atlanta's hockey landscape.

The NHL in Atlanta: A Second Chance?

Atlanta's Hockey Legacy

Despite the Thrashers' departure, Atlanta has a rich hockey history. The city once boasted the Atlanta Flames, who played in the NHL from 1972 to 1980 before relocating to Calgary, where they became the Flames we know today.

Potential Ownership Group

Rumors have circulated about a potential ownership group led by NHL superstar John Tavares, who currently plays for the New York Islanders. Tavares, a skilled center and captain, is known for his leadership on and off the ice, making him an intriguing figure in discussions about a new Atlanta-based franchise.

The Importance of Infrastructure

For the NHL to return to Atlanta successfully, the city would need a state-of-the-art arena, a passionate fan base, and robust corporate support. The construction of a suitable arena would be a critical step in making the dream of a new Atlanta NHL team a reality.

FAQs About the Potential Return of NHL Hockey to Atlanta

1. Why did the Atlanta Thrashers leave in the first place?

The Atlanta Thrashers left Atlanta due to a combination of financial challenges, low attendance, and ownership changes. These factors made it unsustainable for the franchise to remain in Atlanta.

2. How likely is it that the NHL will return to Atlanta?

The return of the NHL to Atlanta is uncertain, and it would depend on various factors, including ownership, infrastructure, and fan support. While there is interest in bringing a team back to the city, it remains a complex endeavor.

3. What would John Tavares' involvement mean for a potential Atlanta NHL team?

John Tavares' involvement in an Atlanta NHL team could bring star power, leadership, and a heightened profile to the franchise. His reputation as an elite player and captain could attract attention and interest from fans and sponsors.

4. Are there other cities in consideration for NHL expansion or relocation?

The NHL regularly evaluates potential expansion or relocation markets. While there is interest in expanding the league, specific cities under consideration can vary depending on various factors, including ownership interest and arena availability.

5. How has the NHL landscape changed since the Thrashers' departure?

Since the Thrashers' departure, the NHL has undergone expansion, with the addition of teams like the Vegas Golden Knights and the Seattle Kraken. The league has also seen changes in player rosters and dynamics.

The possibility of NHL hockey returning to Atlanta, led by a potential ownership group featuring John Tavares, has generated excitement and curiosity among hockey enthusiasts and sports fans alike. While the city has a complex history with professional hockey, it also boasts a passionate sports culture and a legacy that includes the Atlanta Flames.

The revival of an NHL franchise in Atlanta would require careful planning, strong ownership, robust infrastructure, and enthusiastic fan support. Whether John Tavares and his associates can navigate these challenges and bring NHL hockey back to Atlanta remains to be seen. Still, the idea of a new era of NHL excitement in the heart of the Southeast is a tantalizing prospect for hockey fans and Atlanta residents alike, offering hope that the Thrashers' departure may one day be eclipsed by their triumphant return.