Davidson returns to run Rangers

John Davidson is going back to the New York Rangers organization he has been synonymous with for much of his hockey career.

Davidson, 66, was hired as team president Friday hours after leaving his post with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He returns to New York, where he spent parts of eight seasons as a Rangers goaltender and was a TV analyst for almost a decade.

“The opportunity of rejoining the Rangers organization and returning home to New York, where my family and I have spent so many wonderful years, was one I simply could not pass up,” Davidson said.

“There was only one opportunity t hat I would’ve considered leaving for, and the one before me now is that opportunity as I spent 30 years with the Rangers as a player and broadcaster and have strong ties to that team and the city of New York.”

The man known affectionately as “JD” succeeds Glen Sather after the Hall of Fame executive shifted to an advisory role under owner James Dolan. He’ll oversee the hockey operations department while Jeff Gorton remains general manager.

The Rangers are in the midst of a youth movement spearheaded by Gorton, who took over for Sather as GM in 2015. Dolan called it “the start of a new and exciting chapter” in franchise history.

Davidson had been with the Blue Jackets for the last seven seasons, helping turn an NHL alsoran into a regular playoff contender. Columbus won its first playoff series this spring.

Blue Jackets owner John P. McConnell called Davidson’s return to his roots an “extraordinary circumstance for him and his family.” After saying upon hiring him that Davidson was the perfect person to lead Columbus, McConnell believes this stretch has proved him correct.

“He joined our team at a very difficult time and led a transformation that has resulted in consistent winning and appearances in the Stanley Cup playoffs,” McConnell said. “J.D. is a man of great character and compassion and I completely understand his interest in the unique opportunity before him.”