The Columbus Blue Jackets have hired John Davidson as their president of hockey operations and alternate governor. His appointment was announced by the team via its Twitter account on Thursday.
NEWS: #CBJ have announced the return of John Davidson as president of hockey operations and alternate governor and signed General Manager and Alternate Governor Jarmo Kekalainen to a contract extension.https://t.co/R5DuqvLJts
— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) May 20, 2021
John Davidson Hired As President of Hockey Operations
John Davidson has signed a five-year deal in Columbus, less than two weeks after he was relieved from the same role with the New York Rangers. Although, while his tenure finished unceremoniously in New York, he laid strong foundations with the Rangers that facilitated a competitive rebuild.
Davidson’s appointment in Columbus is practically a homecoming; he previously occupied the position between 2012-2019, during which time, Columbus went 285-209-46.
Overall Davidson has presided over three NHL franchises (Columbus, New York and St Louis) since 2006. He has reached the postseason seven times in his career and won two series.
In addition, the Blue Jackets have also signed general manager Jarmo Kekalainen to an extension that runs through the 2024-25 season. Kekalainen has already spent eight seasons with the Blue Jackets. He became the first European-born full-time general manager when Columbus hired him in 2013. During his tenure in Columbus, the team has posted a 312-240-66 record.
What This Means Going Forward
It is obvious that the Blue Jackets will be looking to re-stabilize after a hugely disappointing season. With this in mind, the front-office addition of Davidson makes perfect sense, especially given that Kekalainen has worked with him before, both in Columbus and also with the St Louis Blues.
The hiring of a familiar face in Davidson will bring a feel-good factor regarding the future of the franchise. After all, he is an experienced hockey executive, who knows the club. Davidson has fifteen years of experience in the role, seven of which, are as a Blue Jacket.
However, while the front office has made a favourable hire, there are still question marks at the coaching position for the Jackets. John Tortorella will not return next season and filling the head coaching vacancy is Columbus’s next issue to address.
In other words, the hiring process has only just begun in Ohio.
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