More than a decade after the Atlanta Thrashers relocated to Winnipeg in 2011, only two players who once donned the Thrashers' midnight blue, ice blue, and Georgia bronze are still active in the National Hockey League. These players are Zach Bogosian of the Minnesota Wild and Evander Kane of the Vancouver Canucks.
The Atlanta Thrashers entered the NHL as the league's 28th franchise in the 1999-2000 season. Despite boasting high draft picks and acquiring prominent players, the Thrashers struggled throughout their existence in Atlanta. Their sole playoff appearance came after winning the Southeast Division in the 2006-07 season, but they were quickly swept by the New York Rangers in the first round. In May 2011, True North Sports & Entertainment acquired the team and moved it to Winnipeg, marking the second iteration of the Winnipeg Jets.
Zach Bogosian
Defenseman Zach Bogosian was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2008. He played 199 games for the Thrashers, recording 24 goals and 39 assists. While with the Thrashers, Bogosian also had a plus/minus of -34. After the team's relocation, Bogosian continued to play for the Winnipeg Jets until being traded to the Buffalo Sabres.
Bogosian's career has seen him play for multiple teams, including the Tampa Bay Lightning, with whom he won a Stanley Cup in 2020. He also played for the Toronto Maple Leafs before joining the Minnesota Wild.
Evander Kane
Evander Kane, a high-scoring forward, was drafted fourth overall by the Thrashers in 2009. In his two seasons with the team, Kane scored 33 goals and assisted on 36 others in 133 games. Known for his speed, goal-scoring ability, and fearlessness, Kane quickly became a player to watch.
Following the Thrashers' move to Winnipeg, Kane played for the Jets before being traded to the Buffalo Sabres along with Bogosian. He later joined the San Jose Sharks, where he amassed 87 goals and 79 assists. Kane is currently a member of the Vancouver Canucks.
The fact that Bogosian and Kane are still active in the NHL is a testament to their skill, resilience, and adaptability. As the years pass, the number of former Atlanta Thrashers still playing in the NHL will only continue to dwindle.
