The Florida Panthers are back in the Stanley Cup Final for the third year in a row and fourth in franchise history. It has been a challenging climb up the NHL food chain since the team entered the league in 1993, advancing to its first Stanley Cup Final in 1996. There were many lean years and early playoff exits along the way. And while Dale Tallon gets credit for assembling this roster, General Manager Bill Zito has been able to restructure it and take it to new heights.

Jim Nill and Bill Zito Are Frontrunners to Win General Manager of the Year Award

Zito is a finalist for the Jim Gregory Award as GM of the Year, having successfully brought in the right players and built a winning culture. That starts right at the top with owner Vincent Viola, who graduated from the United States Milita

See Full Page