The team joined the NHL in 1999 as an expansion team as the Atlanta Thrashers .
The team moved to Winnipeg , Manitoba in 2011 , being renamed after the previous Winnipeg Jets team ( now playing as the Arizona Coyotes ) .
The team joined the NHL in 1999 as an expansion team as the Atlanta Thrashers , but moved to Winnipeg , Manitoba in 2011 , being renamed after the previous Winnipeg Jets team ( now playing as the Arizona Coyotes ) .