Davidson was hired as president on May 17, 2019, after holding that job with the St. Louis Blues (2006-12) and Columbus Blue Jackets (2012-19).
The Rangers were 63-49-11 in 123 games (.557 points percentage) with Davidson as president. They were 66-75-23 in 164 games (.473 points percentage) from 2017-19.
"We're all surprised. I certainly was," Quinn said. "Talking to the players, they certainly were as well. Again, these decisions are made. It's the hard part of sports."
Gorton had been Rangers GM since July 1, 2015, after he was assistant GM under Glen Sather. He worked for the Rangers since 2007 and was GM when they hired Quinn on May 23, 2018.
"As far as how I feel about Jeff, I've known him for a long time and he gave me this incredible opportunity," Quinn said. "I enjoyed working with him every day. He became a very close friend. He'll certainly land on his feet, that's for sure. He's a [heck] of a hockey guy and a great person, as is JD. And we all felt good about what we've done up to this point."
Quinn was asked if he wonders where he stands with the organization.
"Listen, this is pro sports, and when you sign up for a job like this, and I certainly understood it when you get in the NHL, every day anything can happen," he said. "That's how I go about it. I don't think anything further than that. All I thought about was Jeff and JD and how I felt for them.
"… At the right time myself, Chris and Mr. Dolan will certainly sit down and talk about every aspect of the organization, and coaching will be one of them."
Drury played four seasons for the Rangers from 2007-11 and was captain for the last three of those seasons. He was hired by New York as director of player development in 2015.
"Chris and I have always had a great working relationship," Quinn said. "We've known each other a long time as well, and we certainly see a lot of the same things in the game of hockey. We've got a great deal of respect for each other. Not only do we have a great personal relationship, we've got a great working relationship."