We last saw the Florida Panthers celebrating another NHL championship with the Stanley Cup.  The team's general manager Bill Zito grew up in Whitefish Bay, went to University ...

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Bill Zito has been promoted by the Florida Panthers, with the team announcing Monday that its general manager will now also serve as the team’s president of hockey operations.

Bill Zito calls it a “privilege” to be where he is right now. He’s wrapping up his fourth season with the Florida Panthers, who are in the midst of yet another deep playoff run.

“You credit Bill Zito and his group,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. “We went into the trade deadline feeling that was the place that we need to get better.

Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito speaks to media during a news conference, Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, ahead of Game 1 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup final series against ...

Bill Zito has come a long way since his days as bat boy for the Milwaukee Brewers. From a World Series appearance as a teenage bat boy to the Stanley Cup Final as an NHL general manager, it’s a ...

FILE - Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito, left, speaks alongside center Aleksander Barkov, during an NHL hockey news conference, Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Florida ...

The Panthers, who played for the Stanley Cup last season, are at the top of the NHL again this season, into something they never were before Bill Zito arrived. He's made them a consistent winner.

But we’re pretty good.” Bill Zito’s Panthers are off to a 13-7-2 start in 2023-24. (Megan Briggs / Getty Images) It was a mistake for anyone to doubt this team.

Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito, left, speaks alongside center Aleksander Barkov, during an NHL hockey news conference, Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Florida Panthers ...

SUNRISE, Fla. – Bill Zito had barely moved into his new office at the BB&T Center when he oversaw his first NHL Draft as General Manager of the Florida Panthers. Hired in early September of last ...