The Buffalo Sabres have strengthened their hockey operations department by hiring longtime NHL executive, former goaltender, and renowned broadcaster John Davidson as senior adviser, bringing one of the league’s most respected figures back into a prominent front-office role.
The announcement, made Monday, reunites Davidson with Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen, reviving a successful partnership that previously helped shape the Columbus Blue Jackets. The move adds decades of NHL experience to Buffalo’s leadership group as the franchise continues its efforts to become a Stanley Cup contender.
Davidson Reunites With Former Blue Jackets Colleague
Davidson and Kekäläinen first teamed up in Columbus after Davidson became president of hockey operations in October 2012. Just months later, he hired Kekäläinen as general manager in February 2013, beginning a partnership that guided the Blue Jackets through more than a decade of organizational growth.
Following the Sabres’ decision to dismiss former general manager Kevyn Adams in December 2025, Buffalo turned to Kekäläinen to lead its hockey operations. Less than a year later, Kekäläinen has now brought one of his most trusted hockey executives to the organization.
“I’m thrilled to welcome John Davidson to the Sabres as a senior adviser,” Kekäläinen said in a team statement. “John and I have developed a strong working relationship over many years. His leadership experience, player evaluation skills, and relationships throughout the NHL make him an outstanding addition to our front office.”
According to the Sabres, Davidson will provide strategic guidance across every area of the hockey department, including player evaluation, organizational planning, and hockey operations.
A Career Defined by the New York Rangers
Although Davidson is beginning a new chapter in Buffalo, his name remains synonymous with the New York Rangers.
His relationship with the Original Six franchise dates back to 1975, when the Rangers acquired the former first-round pick from the St. Louis Blues after he was selected fifth overall in the 1973 NHL Draft.
Davidson quickly became the Rangers’ starting goaltender and delivered the defining performance of his playing career during the 1979 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He led New York to a stunning semifinal upset over the heavily favored New York Islanders, carrying the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in seven years.
Years later, Davidson described the atmosphere following that memorable playoff victory as the loudest he had ever experienced inside Madison Square Garden.
Although knee injuries eventually forced him into early retirement by the 1982-83 season, Davidson’s impact on the Rangers organization was only beginning.
Legendary Broadcasting Career
After hanging up his skates, Davidson seamlessly transitioned into broadcasting, joining MSG Network in 1983 before becoming the longtime television color analyst for Rangers games.
Working alongside legendary play-by-play announcer Sam Rosen, Davidson spent nearly two decades in the broadcast booth and became one of hockey’s most recognizable television personalities.
His most iconic broadcasting moment came during the Rangers’ historic 1994 Stanley Cup victory when he delivered the unforgettable call:
“No more 1940, it’s gone!”
The emotional reaction celebrated New York ending its 54-year Stanley Cup championship drought and remains one of the most memorable calls in NHL history.
Beyond the Rangers, Davidson served as an analyst for several national television partners, including NBC, ESPN/ABC, FOX, CBC, and SportsChannel America, covering numerous Stanley Cup Finals, World Cups of Hockey, and other major international events.
His contributions earned him the prestigious 2004 Lester Patrick Trophy for service to hockey in the United States and induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009 as the recipient of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award.
Front Office Journey Continues
Davidson’s executive career has included multiple leadership roles with both the Rangers and Blue Jackets.
After leaving Columbus in 2019 to become Rangers president, he returned to the Blue Jackets in 2021 following his dismissal by New York. Davidson later assumed general manager duties in Columbus after parting ways with Kekäläinen in 2024 before transitioning into a senior adviser role following Don Waddell’s arrival as president and general manager.
He also returned to broadcasting during the 2024-25 season, calling select Blue Jackets games and reuniting with longtime broadcast partner Sam Rosen during Rosen’s farewell season with the Rangers.
Now, Davidson begins another chapter with Buffalo, where his wealth of experience as a player, executive, and broadcaster is expected to play a key role in helping the Sabres build a stronger future under Kekäläinen’s leadership.
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