Bill Zito has been appointed as the Florida Panthers’ new general manager, the team revealed on Wednesday. He replaces Dale Tallon, who left the franchise after 10 years in the GM seat.
Zito had the following to say regarding his appointment: “I’m humbled and honored to accept the position of general manager of the Florida Panthers. My family and I want to thank [Panthers president & CEO] Matt Caldwell and the Viola family for their confidence in me for this opportunity with the Panthers. I believe in this organization and I am incredibly proud to be a part of it. Our team has great potential and I look forward to start working together in building something special in South Florida. I can’t wait to get to work.”
Prior to accepting his new role, Zito was the vice president of hockey operations, associate GM and alternate governor for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Zito has been left with the momentous challenge of lifting the Florida Panthers to their first Stanley Cup playoff series win since 1996 when they advanced to the Stanley Cup final before being swept by the Colorado Avalanche.
