Was Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito multiple steps ahead, or was it just a coincidence that everything unfolded the way it did?

Matthew and Brady Tkachuk were recently speaking on the Pardon My Take podcast, discussing their podcast, Wingmen. When asked about how they came up with the idea and how it all started, Matthew was quick to acknowledge Zito’s influence. 

“The first guy we actually talked to that said we should do a podcast, like probably three years ago, was my GM, Bill Zito,” said Matthew Tkachuk. “He was like, ‘you guys got to do this; it would be a genius idea; you guys would crush it; everybody in hockey; it’s never been done; people would listen to it.’”

The podcast has been successful. They’ve brought on special guests, created buzz on social media, and are actively attempting to grow the game of hockey.

With that being said, the podcast has also generated some negative attention. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, players in Ottawa grew frustrated with Brady and the podcast, as in one episode, it seemed that Keith Tkachuk, the father of Matthew and Brady, was throwing shots at the Ottawa Senators and the players. 

The breakup between Brady and the organization in Ottawa has been ugly, to say the least, but as it stands, the Panthers appear to be the beneficiaries. 

That’s why many have said this was a genius move by Zito. Although it might seem that way, Zito would likely have had to be a patient mastermind to devise a plan and then wait three years to execute it.

In the end, the Tkachuk brothers plan to continue their podcast, now as teammates.

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