The Atlanta Thrashers: A Tale of Two Cities (and One Discount Franchise Sale)
Ah, the Atlanta Thrashers. A team that burst onto the NHL scene with all the fanfare of a startled owl, then exited faster than a Zamboni on nitrous oxide. But hey, at least they left us with a burning question that's perfect for pub trivia nights: how much did this team actually sell for?
How Much Did The Atlanta Thrashers Sell For |
The Not-So-Thrilling Thrashers
Let's be honest, the Thrashers weren't exactly a hockey powerhouse. They struggled to find their footing in the sun-belt south, where ice hockey wasn't exactly a spectator sport. Despite a valiant effort and a killer Thrasher logo (come on, that bird was fierce!), they only managed to snag one measly playoff appearance in their entire existence.
So, How Much Chicken Feed Did They Fetch?
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Here's the juicy part: the Atlanta Thrashers sold for a cool $170 million. But there's a twist (because plot twists are fun)! This wasn't a straight-up sale. The NHL itself scored a $60 million relocation fee out of the deal. That leaves the Atlanta Spirit, the ownership group at the time, paying $110 million for the franchise.
Was it a Steal or a Steal Your Popcorn Bad?
Well, that depends on who you ask. For the NHL, it was probably a decent haul, especially considering the Thrashers' lukewarm performance. But for the Atlanta Spirit... let's just say they might have gotten a better return on investment selling waffle cones outside the arena.
The Thrashers Take Flight (to a New City)
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The Thrashers didn't exactly fade into obscurity. They were reborn as the Winnipeg Jets, much to the delight of Canadian hockey fans. The Jets even soared to the playoffs several times, something their Atlanta counterparts could only dream of.
So, what's the moral of the story? Sometimes, a change of scenery is all it takes to turn things around. Although, in the case of the Thrashers, maybe a new location and a slightly less, well, thrashing mascot wouldn't have hurt either.
## Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You're Curious)
How to mourn the loss of a beloved (but slightly underwhelming) hockey team?
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
Easy! Channel your grief into delicious snacks. Funnel cakes and nachos are a classic combo.
How to convince your friends the Atlanta Thrashers were actually a good team?
Selective memory is your friend here. Just focus on that one playoff appearance and, uh, the awesome logo.
How to avoid accidentally buying a commemorative Atlanta Thrashers jersey at a thrift store?
QuickTip: Copy useful snippets to a notes app.
Double, then triple-check the logo before you commit. You might end up with a confused-looking bird instead of a fierce Thrasher.
How to find out more about the Atlanta Thrashers (because you're weirdly fascinated by their short-lived existence)?
The internet is your oyster, my friend! Just be prepared for a rabbit hole of hockey history and existential questions about the nature of professional sports franchises in the Sun Belt.
How to get over your crippling fear of owls?
Therapy might be a good call. But hey, maybe watching some exciting hockey (from a team that actually sticks around) will do the trick!