Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad speaks after Florida's 3-2 loss to the Islanders on March 28. There will be a good amount of focus on the Florida Panthers during the upcoming season, which is simply a biproduct of winning the Stanley Cup. Florida can thank its front office for setting up the franchise for yeas of sustainable success thanks to savvy player and contract management over the past several years. The Panthers hired General Manager Bill Zito in September of 2020. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNjE3OTM2NjIzMjQ4NDky/img_6014.jpg] All he’s done in less than four years is completely revamp the roster and change the culture in the locker room by only adding players who, in addition to being skilled at hockey, are also high character individuals. Entering the 2024-25 campaign, Florida will be focused on running it back and defending their title on the ice, but Zito and his staff must also keep an eye on the future. One of the cool things The Hockey News has done during recent offseasons is its Hot Seat Radar [https://thehockeynews.com/tag/hot-seat], going team to team and listing players who are believed to be on the hot seat. The series also lists someone who is considered to be on the cold seat, meaning they are so good at what they do that their jobs are more than secure. This weekend, THN posted its Panthers version of this summer’s Hot Seat Radar [https://thehockeynews.com/news/hot-seat-radar-on-cup-champion-panthers-ekblad-is-in-delicate-situation-while-zito-earned-job-security]. According to THN’s Adam Proteau, Florida defenseman Aaron Ekblad is the player who is feeling the heat on his backside. “Injuries have taken their toll on Ekblad – he hasn’t played a full 82-game season since 2018-19 – but as a right-shot defenseman who is still only 28 years old, Ekblad could bring back a king’s ransom in a trade,” wrote Proteau. “Zito has shown he’s unafraid to take big swings and bid farewell to players who have a long history in Florida – just ask former Panthers Jonathan Huberdeau and Mackenzie Weegar – so it’s far from out of the question that Ekblad could be moved.” As for Florida’s Cold Seat, the clear and obvious choice is Zito. Move after move have paid off for the Panthers, and the contracts that he has signed players to are almost all team friendly. The only question that remains is how far Zito can take Florida in terms of multiple championships and extended success in the best hockey league in the world. “Zito has carved out a highly-secure spot for himself, in a market where there’s very little media and fan pressure, so he’s about as cemented into his role as any GM in the league,” Proteau wrote. “Of course, anything can happen under the sun, but Zito can go about his business knowing he’s an integral part of the championship picture in Florida.” You can check out Proteau's video breakdown below: LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA Stanley Cup victory cements spot for Sergei Bobrovsky in Hockey Hall of Fame [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/stanley-cup-victory-cements-spot-for-sergei-bobrovsky-in-hockey-hall-of-fame] Sam Reinhart has done nothing but flourish since joining Florida Panthers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/sam-reinhart-has-done-nothing-but-flourish-since-joining-florida-panthers] Paul Maurice has been a treat on the mic, providing countless memorable moments [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/paul-maurice-has-been-a-treat-on-the-mic-providing-countless-memorable-moments] The Hockey Show: Ranking hockey movies, discussing Stan Bowman hiring by Oilers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/the-hockey-show-ranking-hockey-movies-discussing-stan-bowman-hiring-by-oilers] Florida Panthers front office earns top spot on The Athletic’s list of contract efficiency [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/florida-panthers-front-office-earns-top-spot-on-the-athletics-list-of-contract-efficiency] Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxNjQxMjA5NjI4NzMxMDIz/unnamed.jpg]
