Florida Panthers general manager (GM) Bill Zito’s style of management mirrors the way his team has played thus far in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs: without any fear. After winning the Presidents’ Trophy last season and an opening-round series for the first time since 1996 (when the team got swept in the finals by the Colorado Avalanche), Zito traded his top point producer in All-Star Jonathan Huberdeau and a steady, productive defenseman in MacKenzie Weegar to the Calgary Flames.
“You gotta give to get. It was a situation that came up in a very, very short window,” Zito said to ESPN.com. “When you have an opportunity like this, you have to pursue it.”
Zito went for it. He swung a throwback, blockbuster hockey deal, but it did not come without the usual skeptical optics. Weegar was second on the team last year for points by a defenseman and just as steady as blue-line rock Aaron Ekblad. His loss on the back end created a huge void for the Panthers coming into this season.
Two keys players and a future first-round pick shipped out after a run of success that Florida had not seen in 26 years. That’s a gutsy transaction. Many pundits said that the Panthers overpaid by adding in top prospect Cole Schwindt as well.
The move was not universally loved by Panthers fans and Zito had to know that the deal would be considered by some to be a gamble. Team captain Aleksander Barkov and Hurberdeau formed a unique tandem of size and skill. They had obvious chemistry and led many late-game comebacks. Yes, the team was swept by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round last year, but there was an upwards trajectory after years of futility.
Zito didn’t care. He knew his team needed a change and he knew exactly what they lacked. Enter gritty forward Matthew Tkachuk — a player with the potential for an immediate impact.
It’s the kind of move that could have not produced either immediate or long-term results, but it has paid off handsomely right away. Zito was excited about the trade when it went through.
“Matthew is a tenacious, physical competitor who possesses a tremendously unique skillset,” Zito said to Local10.com. “He is a consistent elite offensive contributor and has emerged as one of the most complete and dynamic young players in the National Hockey League. When you have a chance to add a player like Matthew to the organization, the price is steep. That’s how things went down.”