John Davidson Hired by Buffalo Sabres as Senior Advisor

New Role with Buffalo Sabres

John Davidson, a 73‑year‑old longtime NHL executive and former TV analyst, has been named senior adviser for the Buffalo Sabres, the team announced on July 13. The hiring reunites Davidson with former Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, who now holds the same position with Buffalo and was originally brought in by Davidson in 2013. Davidson’s contract with Columbus expired on June 30, and the Sabres are seeking veteran insight as they rebuild.

Don Waddell, who replaced Davidson as the Blue Jackets’ president/GM, praised his departed colleague, saying, “He did a great thing for this organization for a lot of years, and we thank him… So, when we decided we weren’t going to renew his contract, he got a new opportunity and that’s great for him.” The move keeps Davidson engaged in hockey operations after a career that includes two separate stints as Columbus’ president of hockey operations.

Alongside his advisory duties, Davidson will also serve as a senior consultant, offering strategic guidance on player personnel and organizational matters for the Sabres.

Davidson’s Columbus History

Davidson first joined the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 24, 2012, as the franchise’s inaugural president of hockey operations, a role he held until May 17, 2019. He returned to Columbus a second time on May 20, 2021, after the New York Rangers unexpectedly fired him and former GM Jeff Gorten, signing a five‑year contract to reclaim the same title. During his tenures, he oversaw major personnel moves, including the hiring of Jarmo Kekalainen as general manager in 2013.

Davidson also spent time in the broadcast booth, filling in as an in‑game analyst for the Blue Jackets when regular analyst Jody Shelley covered national games in Canada over the past two seasons. His departure from Columbus was marked by the end of his contract on June 30, after which he transitioned to a senior advisory capacity with Buffalo.

From Broadcast Booth to Executive Front Office

Before his NHL front‑office career, Davidson played as a goaltender for the New York Rangers and later launched a prominent TV broadcasting career in the same city. He returned to the bench in 2006, joining the St. Louis Blues as president of hockey operations, a position he held until his contract was bought out on October 9, 2012—just 12 days before he took the helm in Columbus.

After the Rangers fired Davidson and GM Jeff Gorten in May 2021, the Blue Jackets acted quickly, re‑hiring him for a second stint that spanned two separate periods. His second departure in May 2024 moved him into a senior advisory role, positioning him for the recent Sabres appointment.

Key Timeline and Milestones

• October 24, 2012 – First stint begins as Columbus’ inaugural president of hockey operations.
• May 17, 2019 – Steps down from first Columbus role.
• June 30, 2006 – Hired by St. Louis as president of hockey operations.
• October 9, 2012 – St. Louis buys out his contract.
• May 5, 2021 – New York Rangers fire Davidson and GM Jeff Gorten.
• May 20, 2021 – Returns to Columbus on a five‑year deal.
• February 15, 2024 – Fires GM Jarmo Kekalainen after the Mike Babcock coaching episode.
• May 2024 – Moves to senior advisor role with Columbus.
• July 13, 2024 – Hired by Buffalo Sabres as senior adviser.

The rapid pace of executive shifts underscores the fluidity of NHL leadership, and Davidson’s latest move highlights his enduring influence across multiple franchises.