Are the Atlanta Thrashers moving to Winnipeg?
A. Isaac 
Word began leaking out last night that the Atlanta Thrashers will make the move to Winnipeg for the 2011-2012 season. Just a few weeks ago, many felt the team most likely to make that move was the Phoenix Coyotes. But a deal was struck on May 12th between the Glendale City Council and the NHL to cover debts of $25 million dollars.
As far as the Thrashers are concerned, this is really no surprise. They’ve struggled since their inception to regularly put fans in the seats. I, for one, find it completely shocking that a city that has routinely had trouble supporting their professional teams, could not even find meager support for the local hockey club. Oh Atlanta!
The Globe and Mail reported Thursday evening that an agreement is now in place to sell the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg group True North Sports and Entertainment, whose desire is to move the team to the city for the start of the 2011-12 season.
The report also says that the deal will be made official on Tuesday, when NHL commissioner Gary Bettman will arrive in Winnipeg to make the announcement.
The deal is certainly not final but it appears all signs are pointing to some kind of announcement being made next week. So after 15 years, Winnipeg will get a team again. It’s not the same franchise they had before and the team is certainly not in playoff shape. But if you ask any fan in that region of Manitoba, they’ll gladly tell you that they’ll be welcome “back” with open arms.
Winnipeg fans cheer possible return of NHL [CBC]
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