Former New York Rangers President John Davidson remains optimistic about the team’s future, despite his past dismissal and recent struggles within the organization.
Speaking on the NHL Wraparound Podcast with Vic Morren, Davidson shared his belief that the Rangers will bounce back in the 2025–26 season, citing his personal familiarity with many of the team’s core players. “I know them. And I know they compete,” he said, predicting that the team will “battle back” and “make some noise.”
Davidson, who led the Rangers’ front office alongside Jeff Gorton from 2019 to 2021, played a key role in constructing the foundation of the current team. During his tenure, the organization added key stars such as Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, and goaltender Igor Shesterkin. Fox, notably, won the Norris Trophy in 2020–21 under Davidson’s oversight. Although he now serves as a senior advisor with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Davidson clearly maintains a vested interest in the Rangers’ trajectory.
Reflecting on the team’s 2024 season regression, Davidson pointed to an unusual collective downturn among the team’s star players. “What I found interesting is that the majority of their best players… they all kind of fell backwards at the same time,” he noted. He emphasized the importance of diagnosing that dip in form, especially for a team that made the playoffs consistently from 2022 through 2024.
A major reason for Davidson’s renewed optimism is the Rangers’ reported hiring of veteran coach Mike Sullivan. Davidson praised Sullivan’s leadership and ability to command respect, saying, “He gets it and he knows how to deal with players that are at the top of the heap.” He believes Sullivan’s presence will instill a renewed sense of focus and accountability, calling the coach “smart,” “unrelenting,” and a game-changer for the team’s locker room.
With the offseason approaching, Davidson hinted at potential roster changes depending on General Manager Chris Drury’s evaluation. July could bring significant turnover if the front office determines that the current core is no longer viable. Still, Davidson’s confidence signals that, at least from his perspective, the Rangers have the tools—and now the leadership—to return to contender status.
