Oct 5, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Phil Kessel (81) reacts after being hit in the face against the Ottawa Senators at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Maple Leafs Rank Last in ESPN Study of 122 NHL, NFL, MLB, and NBA Franchises

ESPN: The Magazine recently released its study of all major sport franchises in North America. The sweeping study included all 122 NHL, NFL, MLB, and NBA franchises.

Teams were ranked on:

Bang for the Buck Fan Relations Affordability Stadium Experience Coaching Players Title Track Record Ownership

*Full report and details about each category can be found here. And, Paul Taylor’s explanation of each category is helpful. Check that here.

So, you’re already here. You’ve read the headline. You’ve clicked the link. You know how this all goes.

The Toronto Maple Leafs managed to finish dead last in ESPN’s report.

Jun 4, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings right wing Justin Williams (middle) is interviewed by ESPN reporters Barry Melrose (right) and Steve Levy (left) after game one of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final against the New York Rangers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

122nd out of 122.

Just let that sink in for a moment.

ESPN is no second-rate source. An expert hockey site? No. But, ESPN is obviously a major force in sports reporting.

So, let’s give this report its due and check the vital stats for the Leafs. Hold on to your hat. This isn’t going to be pretty.