Aaron Portzline writes in The Athletic that John Davidson’s main role as President in Columbus was to be a “sounding board” and advisor that could lend his experience to “steer and enhance” conversations. (The Athletic)
He writes that Davidson “trusted his underlings to do their jobs.” (The Athletic)
Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen said that Davidson gave him the “opportunity to make decisions” and have “authority” over decisions. (The Athletic)
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Kekalainen, who Davidson hired as Columbus GM after the two worked together in St. Louis, said that Davidson “trusted me and I knew he always had my back.” (The Athletic)
The Blue Jackets media guide for this season lists Davidson’s role as President being to “oversee all hockey operations activities.”
Adam Rotter: There isn’t a whole lot that should change for Jeff Gorton with John Davidson now as President instead of Glen Sather. When Sather stepped down as GM he gave Gorton the authority to make decisions and manage the day to day operations of the roster. Sather played a big part in shaping the overall vision and direction of the team (the rebuild, trade deadline and free agent strategy) but Jeff Gorton didn’t need to ask his permission on calling up or sending down Boo Nieves. JD will be in charge of setting out the overall organizational vision and reporting to James Dolan but day to day should still reside with Jeff Gorton and Chris Drury.