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Bill Zito: Florida Panthers GM Talks Signing the Big 3, Free Agency, Where He’s Taking the Cup



Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito meets the media to talk about signing Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand, NHL free agency, where he’s taking the Stanley Cup, and more on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale.

The Panthers beat the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in Game 6 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday; it was the second straight year the Panthers beat the Oilers for the Cup.

Bennett won the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the playoffs after scoring 15 goals in the postseason — including an NHL-record 13 on the road. He signed for eight years.

Ekblad also signed an eight-year deal, with Marchand getting six years.

The Panthers Have Done It Again, Repeat as Cup Champs: https://floridahockeynow.com/florida-panthers-repeat-stanley-cup-champions-2025/

How Brad Marchand Joined the Florida Panthers: https://floridahockeynow.com/brad-marchand-joins-florida-panthers-how-it-happened-nhl-trade-bruins/

2024 Stanley Cup Champions Honored at the White House: https://floridahockeynow.com/stanley-cup-champion-florida-panthers-honored-at-white-house/

Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning Bringing Hockey Outdoors – In Florida: https://floridahockeynow.com/nhl-outdoor-hockey-miami-tampa-florida-panthers-lightning/

The Florida Panthers Get Their Rings. They’re Spectacular: https://floridahockeynow.com/florida-panthers-get-stanley-cup-championship-rings-theyre-spectacular/

The Florida Panthers Are Stanley Cup Champions: https://floridahockeynow.com/can-you-believe-it-florida-panthers-are-stanley-cup-champs/

Tuesday, the Panthers led 2-0 in the first off goals from Sam Reinhart and Matthew Tkachuk.

Reinhart made it 3-0 with his second of the game before he got his hat trick — and then a fourth goal.

Sam Bennett won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

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Video Courtesy Florida Panthers / Panther Vision

23 Comments

  8. @thebiffer100

    Finally, no more empty seats at home games. No more crappy management. And mostly having attended games for decades here in Sunrise only to sit amongst fans who ALWAYS cheer for the visiting teams against our Panthers. May have taken 30 plus years but love it or hate it seems we are HOCKEY CENTRAL right now in Florida. I hope it is now truly a dynasty. Thank you Bill.

  14. @logansrun8152

    I am a lifelong bruins fan – this is the best gm and coach combo I’ve ever seen. Long live Claude Julien but dang

  15. @Capo51

    ' Wolf in the pack'- thing. Indeed!

    Emotionally this team is stronger than any other, no cracks in internal cohesion. Bill as GM has created the framewok for all of this.

    This mode even sounds bit spiritual. Which is not ever been typival in hockey.

    There are many different ways to win, but this must feel one of the best.

  17. @Robb-uh6ep

    I've haven't felt this involved emotionally with a team since the Miami dolphins earlier years I thank you and the whole Florida panthers organization I've been a fan from day one

  21. @Do-U-Know

    mr zito previously said he was more mediator than negotiator, in that , he could see a way for the 3 to stay – so the boys worked the $$$ out like coach Maurice says that at a certain point he gets out of the way because the game is on the ice in the players hands – this whole team takes ownership to play/win and it's great entertainment ! so thx

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