Slowly but steadily, the party fades in Sunrise, making way for a summer of big decisions for the Florida Panthers. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand">Brad Marchand</a>’s future is among the most critical, as he became a staple of the team in just a few months. With NHL free agency approaching, the veteran winger needed just four words to make his stance clear to general manager Bill Zito.



There wasn’t a better story in the 2024-25 NHL season. After years of going to battle against them, Marchand joined the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Panthers</a> en route to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/florida-panthers-stanley-cup-pursuit">franchise’s second Stanley Cup</a>. Not many playwrights could’ve come up with such a turn of events.



Now, however, Marchand’s time in Sunrise might be nearing its end. Set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, his future in South Florida is, at this point, pretty much a coin toss.



Or so it seemed—until Marchand dropped a sincere admission in the one place he might be even happier than on the ice: a Dairy Queen. While serving free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Blizzards, Marchand sent a strong message—bordering on a directive—to Zito and the front office.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250620_BUS_422528_brad-marchand-1-2-1024x576_2e75a9cc.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers takes the ice prior to Game Four of the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena on May 26, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida." class="wp-image-415048" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/09154920/brad-marchand-1-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/09154920/brad-marchand-1-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/09154920/brad-marchand-1-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/09154920/brad-marchand-1-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/09154920/brad-marchand-1-2-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/09154920/brad-marchand-1-2-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/09154920/brad-marchand-1-2-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/09154920/brad-marchand-1-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers takes the ice prior to Game Four of the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena on May 26, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. </figcaption></figure>



“Give me a contract,” Brad Marchand stated when asked to send a message to Bill Zito by a reporter. Based on his quick response, it seems the 37-year-old veteran isn’t looking to change address this summer.


 

 

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<h2>Home is where the heart is</h2>



The 2024-25 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> season wasn’t easy, whatsoever, for Marchand. After enduring dramatic months with the Boston Bruins, he found a change of scenery after being traded to the Panthers. 



However, despite what the Sunshine State might suggest, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for him. Marchand had to be away from his family, who remained in Boston. Little did he know, he’d walk into a big family on the Panthers’ organization.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6855981e9a59e2e0ea8f739c" data-title="Where would you want to see Marchand next season?" data-options="4"></div>


In less than a year, Marchand found a home in Sunrise. And he seemingly doesn’t feel like leaving any time soon. He made that clear with a sincere admission: “I feel like I’m home. I am home, aren’t I?”

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Marchand issues bold 4-word order to Panthers' Zito amid suspenseful days ahead of free agency

miniaturas

Scared money makes no money. There might not be an NHL executive that lives for that motto quite like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a>‘ Bill Zito. Business is booming in Sunrise for the Stanley Cup champions, but Zito can’t rest just yet. Instead, he faces an urgent task as Brad Marchand, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sam-bennett">Sam Bennett</a>, and Aaron Ekblad are all set to become unrestricted free agents on July 1. Regardless, Zito is not backing down from the contract fight.



The NHL is full of ironies. Yet, Bill Zito having no Jim Gregory GM of the Year awards to show for his work in Florida is perhaps one of the biggest. Him and the Panthers couldn’t care less, though. They rather keep their two Stanley Cups—in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/nhl-teams-back-to-back-stanley-cup-wins">back-to-back fashion</a>—instead.



Now, the focus shifts towards the contract negotiations surrounding stars Bennett, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand">Marchand</a>, and Ekblad. The top three players who will become UFAs on the first of July are all coming off great postseason runs. Florida would love to retain them all, but the salary cap stands on its way.



Zito isn’t afraid to roll the dice. The Panthers’ fearless executive has fans and players alike accustomed to his bold strategies. And why wouldn’t they trust the man behind the scenes of the dynasty-like run the Cats have been on lately? As crucial decisions approach Zito and the Panthers, Zito dropped a cold-blooded remark, putting the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> on notice.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250618_BUS_421228_brad-marchand-1-1024x576_18c0d85d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers arrives for the game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on May 28, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina." class="wp-image-411382" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04160028/brad-marchand-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04160028/brad-marchand-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04160028/brad-marchand-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04160028/brad-marchand-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04160028/brad-marchand-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04160028/brad-marchand-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04160028/brad-marchand-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04160028/brad-marchand-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers arrives for the game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on May 28, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Zito’s statement</h2>



“Those guys know, we’re going to spend to the cap,” Bill Zito hinted at Florida’s offseason plans in dialogue with the Pat McAfee Show. “The Viola family ownership has empowered us to try and do everything that we can to have the best team we can. 


 

 

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“We’re going to spend it all. It’s just trying to keep everybody together and have a meaningful team. If players sign up to come here, we want to be able to have other good players. Hopefully, they appreciate that.”



<h2>Just having fun</h2>



The Panthers’ rise in the NHL is one that could fill volumes. The franchise was turned upside down after <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/bill-zito-contract">hiring Zito in 2020</a> and never looked back, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/florida-panthers-stanley-cup-pursuit">winning two Stanley Cups</a> and being far from satisfied. 



However, much credit should go to the players and everybody involved in the organization, as they have shown winning championships shouldn’t always be exhausting. Florida solved an ancient mystery on how to keep their routinary job fun.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="685315a79a59e2e0ea8f731a" data-title="Who do you think Zito will prioritize re-signing?" data-options="3"></div>


“That group has figured out a way to try and have as much fun as they can,” Zito said about the mindset inside the locker room. “The work is hard when they do it and it’s a lot of it. But when they aren’t working, it’s ‘enjoy you life, enjoy each other’. We’re blessed that these guys have bought in and right now they’re having a lot of fun,”

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Panthers' Zito puts NHL on notice ahead of Marchand, Bennett's decisions: 'We're gonna spend it all'

When Bill Zito arrived in Sunrise, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a> were a team with talent but no clear direction. Four years later, they’re Stanley Cup contenders—with a front office that’s finally earning league-wide respect.



His roster-building approach has drawn praise: bold trades, sharp free-agent signings, and a clear competitive vision. The franchise’s transformation has put him in the spotlight and raised questions about what his success is really worth.



While coaches and players often dominate headlines, the GM behind the curtain plays a long game. His contract isn’t widely publicized, but his growing impact suggests it’s far from modest.



<h2>Bill Zito’s contract: Is it known how much he earns?</h2>



As of now, the exact salary of Bill Zito, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Florida Panthers, has not been publicly disclosed. However, in April 2024, he signed a multi-year contract extension.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250617_BUS_420339_Bill-Zito-1-1024x576_16708aef.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-420344" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/17151250/Bill-Zito-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/17151250/Bill-Zito-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/17151250/Bill-Zito-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/17151250/Bill-Zito-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/17151250/Bill-Zito-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/17151250/Bill-Zito-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/17151250/Bill-Zito-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/17151250/Bill-Zito-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Bill Zito of the Florida Panthers celebrates with the Stanley Cup following a 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game Seven of the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Final. (Source: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



While the financial terms of his contract have not been revealed, it is believed that he signed a five-year contract when he joined the Panthers in 2020. His recent promotion and contract extension suggest a long-term commitment.



The official website of the popular franchise released a statement announcing the news, which included official remarks from Vincent Viola, Owner and Governor of Sunrise Sports &amp; Entertainment, and SSE Alternate Governor Michael Viola.



“Through this extension, we are recommitting to stability and strength at the heart of our organization, as well as the continued growth of our sport throughout Broward County and South Florida“, Michael said.



According to Front Office Sports, he ranked 11th among the highest-paid general managers as of early December 2024, with a total compensation of $2.1 million and total cap allocations of $87.8 million.



<h2>What does being President of Hockey Operations entail?</h2>



The role of President of Hockey Operations is one of the most influential positions within an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> franchise. It goes beyond the traditional duties of a general manager, encompassing broader oversight of the team’s hockey-related activities and strategic planning.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250617_BUS_420339_Bill-Zito-1024x576_1a237c1e.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-420364" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/17152609/Bill-Zito-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/17152609/Bill-Zito-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/17152609/Bill-Zito-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/17152609/Bill-Zito-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/17152609/Bill-Zito-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/17152609/Bill-Zito-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/17152609/Bill-Zito-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/17152609/Bill-Zito.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>General Manager Bill Zito of the Florida Panthers speaks with the media prior to the start of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on June 03, 2025. (Source: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



For Bill Zito, holding this dual title means he not only manages player personnel decisions but also guides the overall hockey vision of the Florida Panthers. Responsibilities often include overseeing scouting departments, player development programs and negotiating contracts.



Additionally, he serves as a key liaison between ownership and the hockey staff, translating the owner’s ambitions into actionable strategies. In essence, this position shapes the identity and future of the team, making it a critical leadership role.



<h2>Bill Zito’s role and impact on the Florida Panthers’ success</h2>



Bill Zito’s strategic vision has been marked by a keen eye for talent, calculated trades, and a clear commitment to building a competitive roster that can contend deep into the playoffs.



Under his leadership, the Panthers have adopted a more aggressive approach to team building, moving beyond simply developing young prospects to acquiring experienced veterans who complement the team’s core.



This balance has resulted in a more well-rounded roster, blending youth and experience in a way that has improved both on-ice performance and locker room chemistry.



Moreover, his influence extends beyond player transactions. His promotion in 2024 underscores the trust the organization places in his decision-making capabilities. It signals that his vision isn’t limited to just assembling a team…

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Bill Zito's contract with the Florida Panthers: How much does the general manager earn? - Bolavip US

Bill Zito’s contract with the Florida Panthers: How much does the general manager earn?

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