NHL analyst gets 100% honest about Florida Panthers GM's ability to get Brad Marchand and others re-signed

NHL analyst Michael Russo praised Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito for his work in retaining key players despite salary-cap constraints.

The Panthers secured long-term contracts for key players like Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad. The success is largely attributed to Zito’s creation of a winning culture, which has attracted players willing to prioritize championship contention over higher salaries elsewhere.

Zito, appointed in 2020, has been instrumental in transforming the Panthers into a formidable team, with Florida winning two Stanley Cup championships in the past three finals. Speaking on the "Daily Faceoff" podcast, Russo said:

"I'm never going to criticize Bill Zito. He's just an amazing General Manager. I just think that was just incredible work there, by a GM that is managing a team that is a place that nobody used to want to go to. I covered them for 10 years. They couldn't get these guys now; everybody wants to play there."

Reflecting on the contract extensions made by Zito, Russo added:

"They want to take make deals to get there. Still, you give Sam Bennett 8 million, but you're paying him for the playoffs, you know, like, if that's what, that's where he really earns his money. Marchand fit in like a glove there. It was an absolute blast to cover him. And just all the off ice stuff that happened that, you know, DQ and all that it was, it was tremendous."

These contracts provide players with long-term security and the opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup for years to come.

Florida Panthers' defenseman receives high praise

Florida Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling received praise from analyst E.J. Hradek after being ranked the 12th-best defenseman in the NHL. During an appearance on NHL Network, Hradek said:

"Forsling is anbother guy who matured into his fame and got confidence that he could play in this league."

Forsling has been with the Panthers for the past five seasons, recording 165 points on 49 goals and 116 assists in 355 games. He finished last season with 31 points on 11 goals and 20 assists.

Also Read: NHL analyst plays down scenario of Matthew Tkachuk sitting out Panthers' entire regular season amid injury concerns

About the author

Abhishek is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over 2 years of sports reporting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. He became a fan of ice hockey after watching NHL fight videos on YouTube, which led to him professionally writing about the sport and his continued interest in all things hockey.

A fan of the Boston Bruins, Abhishek considers their incredible comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 playoffs as the most iconic moment in the NHL. His admiration for the six-time Stanley Cup winners also comes from the team’s storied history, distinctive black and gold uniform and their success in the sport. His all-time favorite NHL players are Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, for their ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Abhishek ensures his reporting is fair and balanced by being well-researched in his details, which he expects to be relevant, up-to-date and in line with ethical standards. His specialties are doing detailed match analysis and covering fan reactions.

Abhishek enjoys music, traveling and going on walks with his three German Shepherds in his free time, along with learning about horticulture.

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Edited by Abhishek Dilta