The Florida Panthers’ general manager, Bill Zito, has had a whirlwind of a summer following their Stanley Cup victory. Despite the success, Zito has been busy negotiating contracts and making roster changes to prepare for the upcoming season. “Pretty hectic,” Zito said with a chuckle, acknowledging the non-stop nature of his work. “Champagne problems, my friend. Champagne problems,” he added, indicating the luxurious but demanding nature of his job.
Having experienced a short offseason following their loss in the Cup Final the previous season, the Panthers are now faced with the challenge of defending their title in the 2024-25 season. Zito reflected on the team’s previous experiences, noting that expectations of fatigue or a “hangover” after winning the Cup may not necessarily come to fruition. “Unless you try, you’ll never know, right?” Zito pointed out, highlighting the uncertainty and excitement surrounding the upcoming season.
As is typical for Cup champions in the salary-cap era, the Panthers have seen some changes to their roster. Key players like Brandon Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson have departed via free agency, along with several forwards and a backup goalie. Zito acknowledged the need for a collective effort to fill the gaps left by these departures, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and a shared responsibility among the players. “It’s going to be by committee until someone becomes the head of the committee,” Zito explained, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to adapt and thrive despite the changes.
With a mix of new additions and returning players, the Panthers will look to build on their championship success and continue their winning ways in the upcoming season. As Zito aptly put it, “We’ll see who rises.” The stage is set for another thrilling season of Florida Panthers hockey, and fans eagerly await to see how the defending champions will fare in their quest for another shot at the Cup.
