The Buffalo Sabres have expanded their hockey operations department by appointing John Davidson as senior advisor. The 73-year-old arrives with two decades of NHL front-office experience, including 18 seasons serving as president of hockey operations with St. Louis, Columbus, and the New York Rangers.
Davidson becomes another veteran voice within Buffalo’s management structure after the organization added Josh Flynn and Marc Bergevin last season as assistants working alongside general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen. His arrival further increases the depth of experience available to the club’s hockey department.
Kekäläinen welcomed the appointment by highlighting the long-standing professional relationship he shares with Davidson. He said Davidson’s background leading several NHL organizations, his ability to evaluate players, and his extensive connections across the league make him an ideal addition. According to the general manager, Davidson will provide advice and support throughout the hockey department as the Sabres continue working toward improving the team.
Davidson eager to contribute in Buffalo
Davidson said he is looking forward to joining the Sabres and helping the organization in any way possible. He added that the excitement surrounding Buffalo is evident throughout the NHL and noted that the enthusiasm of the club’s supporters makes the opportunity even more meaningful.
He also expressed his anticipation about working with familiar faces already in the front office while establishing new relationships within the organization. Davidson emphasized that his focus is on helping build a winning environment and thanked Kekäläinen and the Pegula family for giving him the opportunity.
His new position places him alongside several experienced executives, with Buffalo now employing multiple former general managers in key hockey operations roles.
Proven history of building competitive teams
Davidson’s executive career includes a successful spell with the St. Louis Blues, where the organization improved from a 57-point team to one that reached 108 points during his six years with the club.
His partnership with Kekäläinen continued in Columbus after Davidson became president of hockey operations following the Blue Jackets’ 65-point campaign in 2011-12. He hired Kekäläinen, who had previously served as his assistant general manager in St. Louis, to lead the club’s front office.
The results followed quickly. Columbus qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2013-14 and later secured four consecutive postseason appearances while Davidson and Kekäläinen worked together. During that stretch, the Blue Jackets also recorded a franchise-best 108-point season in 2016-17.
Davidson additionally stepped into the role of interim general manager during the 2023-24 campaign in his second tenure with Columbus. He now joins Kekäläinen and Bergevin as members of Buffalo’s front office with NHL general manager experience.
Long hockey career extends beyond management
Before establishing himself as a front-office executive, Davidson enjoyed a lengthy playing career. Selected by St. Louis in the first round of the 1973 NHL Draft, he spent 10 seasons as a goaltender with the Blues and the New York Rangers.
After leaving the ice, Davidson transitioned into broadcasting, where he built another successful career. His work behind the microphone was recognized in 2009 when he received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.