Study: How to keep cash-strapped Jackets in Columbus

Jeff Bell, Business First of Columbus COLUMBUS, Ohio — At best, the Columbus Blue Jackets lost $30.4 million over the past three years, and at worst $43 million, according to a report released Thursday that outlines ways to keep the financially strapped National Hockey League team from leaving town.   Chief among the nearly 20 options are ideas for public-private partnerships that would provide the NHL team relief from its lease agreement at Nationwide Arena, although at the expense of taxpayers in some of the scenarios.   The report, issued Thursday, was commissioned by the ColumbusChamber and written by Stephen Buser, an emeritus professor of finance at Ohio State University.   It does not, however, make a single recommendation on the best strategy to pursue, and that is by design, said ColumbusChamber CEO Ty Marsh.   "Our goal is to start a community discussion on the Blue Jackets and whole arena area," he said, "and to seek a community consensus on options to k...