Rangers fire president John Davidson, GM Jeff Gorton

John Davidson (L) and Jeff Gorton (R) Dave Sandford/NHLI/Getty Images

Rangers fire president John Davidson, general manager Jeff Gorton

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 5/5/21

The New York Rangers have had quite the week.

First, Washington Capitals veteran bruiser Tom Wilson ended Rangers star forward Artemi Panarin's season after slamming his head to the ice. He also punched Pavel Buchnevich's in the head while he was laying on the ice in the same game. Then, New York released a statement calling for George Parros to be fired after the NHL Department of Player Safety handed Wilson just a $5,000 fine for roughing and no suspension.

On Wednesday, the Rangers fired president John Davidson and general manager Jeff Gorton.

NYR have fired John Davidson and Jeff Gorton
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 5, 2021

Friedman adds that he believes Davidson and Gorton didn't have anything to do with the statement the Rangers released about Wilson and that CEO James Dolan was unhappy with how New York played this season and wanted to make a change.

However, there is word Dolan was unhappy with this NYR season and wanted to make a change. Seems crazy to me, because they have a come a long, long way in two years...but he’s the owner.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 5, 2021

According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, assistant general manager Chris Drury is a leading candidate to fill the GM position, and Friedman adds he will indeed be promoted to president and GM. Drury has worked in Rangers management for six years and has served as assistant general manager for the last five. The next GM will make a decision on head coach David Quinn's future with the team, Brooks adds.

The Blueshirts were eliminated from playoff contention on Monday for the fourth consecutive season. However, the franchise has made strides in the right direction since entering a rebuild just a few years ago.

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