Davidson (r) left his post with the Blue Jackets after seven seasons to join the RangersGETTY IMAGES
New NHL Rangers President of Hockey Operations John Davidson is "coming back to where he has spent so much of his professional career, hoping to make" the team a "spring factor once again," according to Zach Braziller of the N.Y. POST. Davidson left his post as Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations "after seven mostly successful seasons" to join the Rangers, who were "in the market for a new president" after Glen Sather stepped down in April. Davidson will "run the show and establish a vision for the organization" while GM Jeff Gorton will "continue in his rebuilding, which is now a year and few months in the works" (N.Y. POST, 5/18). On Long Island, Colin Stephenson wrote Davidson joins the Rangers "at a pivotal time." The team announced in February '18 that they "would rebuild, and the club has been sellers" at the last two trade deadlines. After winning the second pick in the Draft lottery, the Rangers have an "opportunity to speed up their rebuild" (NEWSDAY, 5/18).
PERFECT FIT: THE ATHLETIC's Rick Carpiniello wrote Davidson was "clearly the choice -- and the right choice, as not only an experienced executive but also as one who will allow the status quo and enable" Gorton and Assistant GM Chris Drury and others to "continue the rebuilding path they've been on the past two seasons." Another exec "might have wanted to take over the entire hockey operation." While working for the Blues and Blue Jackets, Davidson "hired people to run the day-to-day operation, then got out of the way." He "supported their decisions, gave them what they needed to execute their plans, offered his expertise, but let them be GMs" (THEATHLETIC.com, 5/17). In N.Y., Brett Cyrgalis wrote under the header, "John Davidson The Right Man For Job At Critical Rangers Junction." It was "becoming clear" that hiring Davidson was the "only solution for the Rangers." There is the "intelligence and experience that made 'J.D.' a home run for the job." With Rangers Senior VP & Assistant GM Jim Schoenfeld also stepping down, the "corner office is all Davidson's." The Rangers are now "rounding the corner" with their rebuild, but now it is Davidson "at the wheel during the most critical juncture." There is "no denying the Rangers are moving in the right direction" (N.Y. POST, 5/18). CBSSN's Boomer Esiason said Davidson is a "great hire" for the Rangers ("Boomer & Gio," CBSSN, 5/20). SNY's Jon Hein added Davidson will "bring a lot of good things back to his former club" ("Loud Mouths," SNY, 5/20).
LEFT IN GOOD HANDS: In Columbus, Michael Arace noted following Davidson's departure, it appears Blue Jackets Majority Owner John McConnell and President Mike Priest are "feeling little or no pressure to fill the position they created for Davidson six-plus years ago." Davidson's "primary task was to change the culture," and that change has been "significant enough that the hockey operations department can hum along without him." Davidson "did his job so well ... that the Jackets don't need him like they used to." A "solid foundation is in place" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 5/19). Also in Columbus, Brian Hedger reported Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen will continue in his role but "will add 'alternate governor' to his title." Davidson's vacant position "will not be filled" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 5/18).
