According to TSN on Thursday, the Columbus Blue Jackets have named John Davidson of Ottawa, Ontario as their interim general manager. The decision comes after the Blue Jackets fired general manager Jarmo Kekalainen after 11 seasons. Davidson was previously the president of hockey operations for the St. Louis Blues for six seasons from 2006 to 2012. He then held the same role with the Blue Jackets from 2012 to 2019, and the last three seasons with the Blue Jackets since 2021. From 2019 to 2021, Davidson was the president of the New York Rangers for two seasons.
As a player, Davidson spent two seasons in the National Hockey League with the St. Louis Blues from 1973 to 1975, and eight seasons with the Rangers from 1975 to 1983. In 301 games, he had a record of 123 wins, 124 losses, and 39 ties. He had a goals against average of 3.53, save percentage of .887 and seven shutouts.
It appears Davidson will be looking immediately for a general manager. The Blue Jackets are last in the Eastern Conference with a record of 16 wins, 26 regulation losses, and 10 losses in extra time for 42 points. Their -41 goals for and against differential is also the worst in the Eastern Conference. The move comes two days after the Blue Jackets lost 6-3 to the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday.
