Panthers hire Bill Zito as general manager

The Florida Panthers hired Bill Zito to serve as the 11th general manager in franchise history, the team announced Wednesday.

Zito's contract is for five years, Panthers president and CEO Matthew Caldwell confirmed, per NHL.com's Jameson Olive.

"We are thrilled to welcome Bill Zito as general manager of the Florida Panthers," Panthers owner Vincent Viola said. "Bill is an excellent mind in our game today who proved during his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets that he possesses great prowess for evaluating talent and building success. He brings great experience to our club and possesses a strong business acumen."

Zito is a former player agent who served as the senior vice president of hockey operations and as an associate general manager with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He also previously served as general manager of the team's AHL affiliate.

The Panthers parted ways with previous general manager Dale Tallon shortly after Florida was eliminated from the 2019-20 postseason. Tallon was with the team for the last decade.

Zito was general manager of the U.S. team at the 2018 World Championship, where the squad finished in third place. He also helped guide the AHL's Lake Erie Monsters (now the Cleveland Monsters) to a Calder Cup victory in 2016.