[8][9] Chipman's ultimate goal was to bring an NHL team back to Winnipeg to fill the void left by the Jets.
As early as 2009, True North was reported to be in discussion with the NHL regarding the purchase of the Phoenix Coyotes in order to relocate the club back to Winnipeg.
[10] After two years of on-and-off-again discussion with the NHL regarding the Coyotes, Chipman and True North were presented the opportunity to purchase the Atlanta Thrashers.
On May 31, 2011, Chipman and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced that a deal had been reached to purchase the Thrashers and relocate them to Winnipeg for the upcoming season.
At the 2011 NHL draft held in St. Paul, Minnesota, Chipman revealed the franchise's new name just before making its first-round pick.