John Davidson: Jeff Gorton and I left Rangers in good shape

John Davidson was not in Columbus to talk (much) about New York.

But the once again president of the Blue Jackets did make it clear that he was not dismissed from his equivalent post with the Rangers as a result of a Jim Dolan temper tantrum arising from the Tom Wilson incident and its subsequent fallout.

“I think when you go through something like that, you have a feeling something is about to happen,” Davidson, returning to the job he held for seven years before his brief two-year run on Broadway, said during a (re)introductory Zoom conference on Thursday. “I will say that Mr. Dolan and I had some conversations.

“I want to be respectful as I can to the Rangers. I don’t want to get into too many of the private discussions we had because that is really between Mr. Dolan and myself. All I can say is that the changes were made and I’m very, very happy and very fortunate to be back in Columbus.

“And I think that Jeff Gorton and myself, who are gone, when you look back at the work, that team has a chance to spring ahead very quickly,” Davidson said, referring to the general manager who was also dismissed on May 5.

“They’re in good shape. I’ll just leave it at that.”

Davidson’s move to a division rival also seeking a coach in the wake of John Tortorella’s departure from the organization could have an impact on the Rangers if the Jackets go hard after Gerard Gallant, who is believed at the top of New York’s wish list following his meeting last week with the Blueshirts’ president-GM Chris Drury.

Gallant spent six years with Columbus at the turn of the century, serving as an assistant coach from 2001-02 through mid-2003-04 before he was elevated to the top job that he held for 142 games.

There would not seem to be much comparison between the open jobs behind the Rangers’ and Blue Jackets’ benches, nor between the talent on the clubs’ respective rosters. But if Gallant has an affinity for life in Columbus and is unsure about New York, then Drury might have to accelerate his timetable and attempt to reel in the coach before he can be wooed away by JD.

Davidson said his dismissal was “disappointing” but that he did not wallow in despair after the deed had been done and dove into what might be next, whether retirement, a move back to television or to another team’s executive suite. The fit in Columbus, a city of which Davidson has always spoken fondly, was too perfect to ignore.

“It was disappointing and I think I have every right to say that along with Jeff Gorton,” said Davidson, who had three years remaining on his Rangers contract and is now on a five-year deal with the Jackets. “But the key is that if you get knocked down, to get back on your feet and don’t feel sorry for yourself.

“Again, I certainly enjoyed my two years in New York with the Rangers. It’s a first-class organization, there are some great players there and a lot of good things happening. That team is in good shape and I wish Chris Drury all the best.”

This post first appeared on Nypost.com

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