Evander Kane Comments On The NHL's Next Expansion Team

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Pat Quinn
October 5, 2023 (10:43)

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Evander Kane was drafted fourth overall in 2009 by the Atlanta Thrashers. He played 139 games, registering 69 points before the team was moved to Winnipeg and became the Jets.

By all accounts, Kane had enjoyed his time in Atlanta, as there was never anything negative reported.

Atlanta as an Expansion team?

When asked about Atlanta getting an NHL team again through expansion, Kane said:

«You talk about a great city to live in. A great city to be a part of. The fan base. Everybody talks about a lack of fans, but the fanbase we had there was so awesome. They were so passionate about us as a hockey team. We had fans at practice all the time. As an 18-year-old, I loved being there. Great travel. Four other major sports. There are lots to do. It's a hub, you can get anywhere in the U.S. or even internationally from Atlanta. There are so many good things I have to say about it. I would be 100 percent supportive.»

When asked if he would play there again, Kane replied:

«Yes. Yes I would I come from Vancouver, which is a melting pot for a lot of different cultures. I go as an 18-year-old to Atlanta where you're most likely either black, white or you're both. So it was a bit of a culture change for me but I definitely picked up on southern hospitality in a real genuine way. Made it very welcoming for me to be part of that community."

The Rest of the Thrashers

It would be a full career circle for Kane if he were to finish his career in the same city where his career started. Kane does plan to play another seven to eight years, so that will give him good odds.

The only other ex-Atlanta Thrashers players currently in the NHL are Blake Wheeler and Zach Bogosian. Both of those players will be retiring relatively soon, leaving Kane as the final player to have played for the Atlanta Thrashers.

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