Queen arena portrait returning to Winnipeg?

An NHL hockey team may not be the only thing returning to Manitoba's capital.

The largest known portrait of Queen Elizabeth II,which hung from the rafters in the Winnipeg Arena for 20 years,may also be coming home.

Anya Wilson, custodian of the portrait, says she got an exciting phone call which suggests the Queen may be returning to Winnipeg.

Wilson says she can't say much more but would love to see the portrait hung once again.

At five-by-seven metres, the portrait has been homeless since it was taken down from the Winnipeg Arena, where the former NHL Winnipeg Jets used to play.

The Arena was demolished in 2005.

Wilson says the painting is iconic though and it would be great to see the Queen return to her roots.

Winnipeg's True North Sports and Entertainmentis currently in talks to buy the NHL Atlanta Thrashers hockey team and move it to the Manitoba capital.

While many say it is a done deal, no agreement has been formally announced yet.