The New York Rangers made a significant transfer Friday once they’d rent John Davidson as their new President. This transfer got here just some hours after the unique information broke that Davidson was resigning from his publish of President of Hockey Operations of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
OFFICIAL: John Davidson has been named #NYR President.— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) Could 17, 2019“As we speak is the beginning of a brand new and thrilling chapter in New York Rangers historical past,” stated Madison Sq. Backyard Firm Govt Chairman and CEO James L. Dolan. “John Davidson is without doubt one of the premier executives within the Nationwide Hockey League. As we proceed to construct a crew that may persistently compete for the Stanley Cup, John’s information of the sport and his expertise and keenness for the Rangers emblem make him the best option to oversee our Hockey Operations division. I’m thrilled to welcome “JD” and his household dwelling.”
When talking in regards to the alternative to re-join the Rangers in such a major function, Davidson made it clear that he was excited to get began together with his new crew. He’d additionally give due to the 2 organizations that helped pave the way in which for his profession within the entrance workplace.
I’m excited and humbled to be named the President of the New York Rangers,” Davidson stated. “The chance of rejoining the Rangers group and returning dwelling to New York, the place my household and I’ve spent so many fantastic years, was one I merely couldn’t move up. I need to thank James Dolan for providing me this opportunity to return dwelling. I’d additionally wish to thank John P. McConnell for the chance to hitch the Blue Jackets group in 2012, his steerage, help, and friendship over the past seven years, and for permitting my household and me to embark on this new journey with the Rangers. Moreover, I wish to thank the St. Louis Blues group for giving me a possibility to hitch their entrance workplace in 2006 and spend six incredible years there.
For the Rangers, that is the best-case situation after Glen Sather would resign from his publish as President of the crew and transition into his new function as a senior adviser to the proprietor. Davidson has confirmed to be a really achieved govt all through his time within the league and he’s set to hitch a Rangers crew seeking to proceed this escalated rebuild.
Davidson’s Return to the New York Rangers
This isn’t Davidson’s first stint with the Rangers as he would spend practically 30 years with the Rangers as a participant after which a TV Analyst with MSG Community. His broadcasting work wouldn’t go unnoticed as he could be introduced with the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Corridor of Fame in 2009 for his excellent contributions as a broadcaster. He’d additionally obtain the Lester Patrick Trophy in 2004 for excellent service to hockey in the US.
Following his time in New York, Davidson would function the President of Hockey Operations in St. Louis with the Blues from 2006-07 till 20011-12. He’d assist flip the crew round from one of many worst within the league to a perennial playoff contender earlier than doing the identical in Columbus for seven seasons.
Whereas in St. Louis, he could be important within the drafting of Alex Pietrangelo, Vladimir Tarasenko, David Perron and Ian Cole. He was additionally President when the crew would choose Jaden Schwartz, Colton Parayko, Jordan Binnington, Jaden Schwartz and Joel Edmonson who’ve all made contributions for the crew.
Alex Pietrangelo, St. Louis Blues, January 6, 2018 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
As for his time in Columbus, the franchise by no means had a extra profitable run than they did through the time that Davidson was on the helm. Not solely would they’ve their greatest run of drafting, buying and selling and acquisitions normally, however they’d additionally discover success each within the common season and even within the postseason, advancing to the second spherical for the primary time in franchise historical past in 2019.
