Bill Zito

The Florida Panthers Free Agency: July 1st Recap

Things got started early for the Panthers as the official announcement of Marchand’s extension was posted to Florida’s team socials. With Florida’s big-name UFAs signed, Tuesday was mostly made of depth moves to replace outgoing pieces. It had been rumored Monday that the Cats were in talks with Tomas Nosek about a deal as well. […]

The Florida Panthers Extend Aaron Ekblad & Brad Marchand

Bill Zito said after the Panthers won the Cup that he thought Florida could keep their three big UFAs. As of Free Agency Eve, he’s made good on the promise with the announcement of extensions to both Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand in addition to Sam Bennett’s extension that was announced on Friday. It does […]

The Florida Panthers Journey To Back-To-Back Stanley Cups

Last year was a dream, this year was an achievement. Those were the words HC Paul Maurice said about the Panthers winning their second straight Stanley Cup. Last season, I recapped the several-year journey it took Bill Zito & his front office to build a Cup-winning team in addition to the Cats’ season-long journey. And […]

Recapping the Florida Panthers Trade Deadline Moves

No one can accuse Florida GM Bill Zito of being afraid to make big moves. He stared and ended trade deadline week with a splash that shocked fans, both his own and opponent’s. As the Panthers gear up for the playoffs, they were big-time buyers but didn’t spend much to acquire important pieces to the […]

Opinion: Florida Can Go Back-To-Back As Stanley Cup Champions & Here’s Why

As the Florida Panthers spend the summer celebrating their Stanley Cup win, it begs the question: Can they repeat as Cup Champions? I think they can, as their roster is still extremely strong despite losing some pieces to free agency. The core forwards that were up for contract Zito locked up long-term, ensuring little change […]

Sam Reinhart celebrating a goal with the Florida Panthers

The Best Landing Spots for Sam Reinhart

Sam Reinhart is set to hit free agency on July 1st on the heels of a career-best season for the 28-year-old Florida Panther. Reinhart, the 2nd overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, had career highs in goals, points, shot percentage, and power-play goals. The West Vancouver native enters free agency as the most coveted […]

Dmitry Kulikov Signs With Florida Panthers

Dmitry Kulikov and the Florida Panthers have agreed to terms on a one-year contract worth $1 million annually. Kulikov was originally drafted in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft 14th overall by the Panthers, this becomes a nice reunion for the team and the player. Bill Zito was looking for a big and mobile defenseman, and […]

Kevin Stenlund Signs Deal With Florida Panthers

Kevin Stenlund and the Florida Panthers have agreed to terms on a one-year contract. Stenlund, who was a restricted free agent, was not given a qualifying offer by the Winnipeg Jets. Bill Zito and the Florida Panthers are looking for big-depth players, Stenlund fits that bill to a tee. Stenlund, who is 6-foot-4 and 210 […]

Anthony Duclair’s Return Could Spark a Turnaround for the Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers, despite making what many have dubbed the biggest blockbuster trade in the modern-day NHL, are nowhere close to where they were a year ago today. To say that last year’s President’s Trophy winners have struggled this season is a bit of an understatement, though the reason(s) why may not entirely rest on […]

3 Potential Trade Destinations For Panthers’ Sam Bennett

Leading up to the March 3rd trade deadline, all eyes will be on the Florida Panthers as they are a team worth monitoring. After an offseason that saw them trade away MacKenzie Weegar, Jonathan Huberdeau, Cole Schwindt, and a 2025 conditional first-round pick for Matthew Tkachuk, the team seems to be worse for it. After […]