5 NHL cities that lost teams and then got them back later

There are a few cities that lost an NHL team only to get one back a little while later. With news the NHL could replace the current Arizona Coyotes with an expansion franchise, let's take a look back at these examples.

Mar 27, 2011; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Thrashers left wing Andrew Ladd (16) ends up in the net on / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

2 of 6

The Bay Area

The Bay Area got one of the 1967 NHL expansion teams with the California Golden Seals. We interviewed the producer of a documentary on the team, Mark Greczmiel, so if you are interested in their history take a look at our article.

In short, the Golden Seals legacy is one of bad attendance, crazy promotions and on-ice stunts, and on-ice futility, as well as their infamous white skates.

The franchise would move to Ohio to be the Cleveland Barons in 1976 before folding altogether in 1978. They are the last team of the four major professional sports teams to do so.

The NHL returned to the Bay Area in 1991 with the San Jose Sharks. While the Sharks are currently deep in a rebuild, they have had considerable success in their short history with 21 playoff appearances in 32 seasons.

They won the President’s Trophy in 2008-2009 and made it to the 2016 Stanley Cup final. Although they rarely pay tribute to the Golden Seals, the last round of Reverse Retro jerseys was inspired by their Bay Area predecessors.

Home/Arizona Coyotes