The NHL is in talks with a third group interested in bringing an expansion team to Atlanta, deputy commissioner Bill Daly told ESPN on Wednesday. The group is headed by former NHL player and current TNT hockey analyst Anson Carter, who previously supported the Alpharetta bid but has since separated from that project. Daly said Carter's group has shown evidence of adequate financing and is exploring locations north of Atlanta, claiming it will be a better site than the two previously identified proposals.

Two other groups have been publicly racing to secure arena plans. The Alpharetta City Council approved zoning changes for a redevelopment of North Point Mall that includes a 20,000-seat, NHL-ready arena. Meanwhile, Krause Sports & Entertainment, led by Vernon Krause, is advancing plans for an arena at The Gathering in South Forsyth, about 7 miles away. The South Forsyth group was recently admonished by the NHL after prematurely releasing information about submitting a final approval packet, prompting an angry call from Daly.

This would be the NHL's third attempt in Atlanta after the Flames relocated to Calgary in 1980 and the Thrashers moved to Winnipeg in 2011. Daly emphasized that a full market analysis is crucial to understand why a third attempt would succeed, noting Atlanta has changed dramatically and building location will be very important.

Expansion to Houston or Austin is closer to reality, with the Friedkin family holding a six-month agreement to explore a Texas market for a $3.5 billion investment targeting the 2029-30 season. An update is expected at the NHL board of governors meeting in New York on Sept. 22.