Panthers defenseman Brandon Montour speaks after practice on April 15. The Florida Panthers made a significant move this week that they believe will bring the franchise continued success in the foreseeable future. On Monday, the Panthers announced that the team has agreed to a multi-year contract extension with General Manager Bill Zito. But that's not all. Zito is also receiving a promotion. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNjE3OTM2NjIzMjQ4NDky/img_6014.jpg] In addition to being the team's GM, Zito will now also act as President of Hockey Operations for the Panthers. “From his first day as a Panther, Bill has demonstrated his complete commitment to success both on and off the ice," Panthers Owner Vincent Viola said in a statement released by the team. "He has worked steadfastly and tirelessly to establish a new standard of excellence for our franchise. The future has never looked brighter in South Florida and we are thrilled that Bill will continue to lead the way.” Since Zito's initial hiring prior to the 2020-21 season, the Panthers have remained a contending team in the Eastern Conference, qualifying for the playoffs every year under his watch. Zito's first moves – bringing in Patric Hornqvist and Radko Gudas – were the beginning of a plan to remold and reshape the team from the inside-out, changing the culture in the locker room to one that breeds winning and competitiveness. He has since built one of the most formidable rosters in the league, acquiring and signing Sam Reinhart, Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Bennett, Matthew Tkachuk, Brandon Montour, Gus Forsling, Ryan Lomberg and over the past year adding Evan Rodrigues, Niko Mikkola, Anthony Stolarz, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Kevin Stenlund, Vladimir Tarasenko and Kyle Okposo. Zito also helped construct Florida's current coaching staff, led by the hiring of Head Coach Paul Maurice during the summer of 2022 and the additions of assistants Jamie Kompon, Sylvain Lafebvre and Myles Fee. He also played a substantial role in the formation of the Panthers' Goaltending Excellence Department, which is led by Hall of Fame goaltender and Special Advisor to the GM Roberto Luongo. LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA Five Favorites: A gift from Jack Eichel to his son is on Kyle Okposo's list [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/five-favorites-a-gift-from-jack-eichel-to-his-son-is-on-kyle-okposos-list] Three Takeaways: Panthers survive 'tight' game, forwards defending well again [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/three-takeaways-panthers-survive-tight-game-forwards-defending-well-again] Brandon Montour wants extension with Panthers but remains hyper-focused on playoffs [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/brandon-montour-wants-extension-with-panthers-but-remains-hyper-focused-on-playoffs] Stingy Panthers host Buffalo looking to lock up home ice in round one [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/stingy-panthers-host-buffalo-looking-to-lock-up-home-ice-in-round-one] Panthers mascot Viktor E. Ratt goes viral after admiring fan's provocative dance moves [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/panthers-mascot-viktor-e-ratt-goes-viral-after-admiring-fans-provocative-dance-moves] Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxNjQxMjA5NjI4NzMxMDIz/unnamed.jpg]
