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Columbus Blue Jackets
Overall: 19
Title track: 76
Ownership: 38
Coaching: 67
Players: 46
Fan relations: 23
Affordability: 23
Stadium experience: 14
Bang for the buck: 20
Change from last year: +2
As the Ohio capital's lone representative in the big four sports leagues (all due respect to Major League Soccer and the Columbus Crew), the Blue Jackets really matter in a city that revolves around Ohio State football. And with a ranking of 19th overall, fans don't seem to care much that their hockey squad has made the playoffs just twice in 15 years and has yet to win a postseason round.
What's good
Off the ice, Columbus is one of the NHL's model franchises. Only eight teams in the fan-friendly league have better relations with their supporters, and while attendance at Nationwide Arena has been among the worst on the circuit in recent years, the Jackets' stadium experience score suggests the ones who do show up really love the cannon that fires after each home-team goal. The price is right, too, with the average overall cost of attending a game just $65.48 (second lowest in the NHL) providing plenty of bang for the buck.
What's bad
On the ice, the Blue Jackets have plenty of room to improve. Their 12-0-1 run to end last season wasn't enough to get them into the after-party, and it boosted their title track by just three spots from 79 to 76. But in fairness, the squad was beset by injuries in 2014-15. Still, there's a nice mix of youth (Boone Jenner, Ryan Johansen) and experience (Brandon Dubinsky, captain Nick Foligno) at forward. But defensive questions remain, and fourth-year bench boss Todd Richards appears to be losing the fan base, which ranked the Blue Jackets' coaching 67th, down from 49th.
What's new
Among all of our categories (including overall score), seven saw movement of six places or less. But in ownership, the team experienced its biggest jump -- 16 spots. John P. McConnell got high marks mostly for leaving hugely respected president of hockey ops John Davidson and his front office staff alone. If the Jackets can stay healthy this season, McConnell's patient approach could be rewarded in the standings and stands alike.
Next: Nashville Predators | Full rankings