NHL Power Rankings: Every franchise statistically ranked all-time
By Daniel
30. Nashville Predators (1998): N/A
The Nashville Predators have the least successful history of all NHL franchises. They’ve been in the league for 16 years, but have failed to compile a single point per this weighted system. This lack of success has resulted in the franchise almost moving to both Hamilton, ON and Kansas City, MO. The best players to come through Nashville have predominantly been defensemen. Shea Weber, Kimmo Timonen, and Ryan Suter are among the best. Weber is the Predators’ captain and most-prized possession. This lack of success doesn’t mean a lack of livelihood though. If you happen to catch a game in Nashville, you might just see a catfish flying toward the ice.
29. Columbus Blue Jackets (2000): N/A
The Blue Jackets aren’t doing much better than the Predators. They’ve been in the league for 14 years and haven’t gathered any points yet, either. Rick Nash, Jack Johnson, Marian Gaborik, Sergei Fedorov, and Sergei Bobrovsky are some of the biggest names that have come through Columbus. The current squad is without a captain at the moment. When the Blue Jackets take to the ice, score a goal, or win “The Cannon” is fired off, an homage to their patriotic name and logo. They made the playoffs for the first time a year ago and seem to be an organization on the rise. They’re led by defenseman Jack Johnson and center Brandon Dubinsky among others.
28. Arizona Coyotes (1979): 0.114 Points
This franchise has a long history in the NHL, but not one filled with success. Pound for pound the Coyotes are the least greatest franchise in NHL history. In 35 seasons the Coyotes have won their division just one time (2011-12). They’re captained by Shane Doan, who was drafted by the organization and has enjoyed a very consistent career. From 2005-2009 Wayne Gretzky was the head coach of the Coyotes, but wasn’t overly successful. He compiled a 143-161-24 record and gave up his head coaching duties when the club filed for bankruptcy. Fortunately for Coyotes fans, the team was not relocated in 2009 like some thought it was destined to be. Keith Tkachuk, Bobby Hull, and Dale Hawerchuk are among the franchise’s top players all-time.
(Formerly Winnipeg Jets 1979-1996, Phoenix Coyotes 1996-2014)
27. Winnipeg Jets (1999): 0.266 Points
The Jets’ franchise hasn’t been overly successful since joining the NHL and have only been to the playoffs once. Which occurred before the franchise moved to Winnipeg. The biggest name to play for the franchise was definitely Ilya Kovalchuk who was team captain in 2009-10. They’re currently captained by Andrew Ladd. Their roster features some talent in Evander Kane, an exciting young left winger, center Bryan Little, right winger Blake Wheeler, and defensemen Mark Stuart and Tobias Enstrom among others. The Jets are certainly hoping the best has yet to come.
(Formerly Atlanta Thrashers 1999-2011)
26. Minnesota Wild (2000): 0.285 Points
The Wild have been around for 14 years and have managed to win their division just once, but have made the playoffs a few more times. Their current roster boasts some great talent and they should be a quality team for years to come. They’re led by defenseman Ryan Suter, center Mikko Koivu, goalie Josh Harding and a quality stable of wingers. The wingers include Zach Parise, Thomas Vanek, Jason Pominville, and others. The No. 1 is retired in Minnesota in honor of the fans and the star in the eye of their logo is an homage to the departed North Stars. The Twin Cities love their hockey and the entire state loves this team. Look for them to cause some havoc in the playoffs for the next few years.