Former Columbus Blue Jackets AGM named a finalist for General Manager of the Year

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The NHL announced today that former Columbus Blue Jackets AGM Bill Zito has been named a finalist for the General Manager of the Year Award.

Zito worked for the CBJ from August 2013 until Florida took a chance and hired him in 2020. In Columbus, Zito had a few different roles including Asst. General Manager, Sr. VP of Hockey Operations, and Associate General Manager. He also served as the GM for the Lake Erie/Cleveland Monsters and was the GM for Team USA during the World Championships in 2018.

Zito's time in Florida has been successful. In his first four seasons, the Panthers have won 189 games, have won the Atlantic twice, and finished as the runner-up in the Stanley Cup Final in 2023. They're also in the Eastern Conference Finals this season and currently have a 1-0 series lead on the New York Rangers.

Zito has built a great roster. But going into next season he only has 14 players who are currently on the playoff roster under contract for the 24-25 season. He has 11 UFAs and 2 RFAs to address. It's safe to say that he will be earning his paycheck this summer.

On April 15th, Zito was given a long extension and promoted to President, Hockey Operations, and General Manager.

Bill Zito had been passed up for several GM jobs over the years, but now he's making the best of it.

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