REPORT: Panthers’ top rated key man controversial free agency preparation, update on Reinhart, NHL draft

Over the past week, many Florida Panthers players have been celebrating their first Stanley Cup victory in franchise history. Meanwhile, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Zito has been working tirelessly, only managing one night to savor the win. He has a lot of tasks to handle and limited time to address everything. “The first night was surreal,” Zito said. “It exceeded all my expectations. The last few days, though, have been very hectic.” Zito has had a full agenda over the past five days. With around $19.5 million in cap space for the offseason, he’s been negotiating potential contracts for free agents, including forward Sam Reinhart, defenseman Brandon Montour, and restricted free agent Anton Lundell. Additionally, he’s been preparing for free agency starting Monday and the NHL Draft, which enters Day 2 on Saturday. The Panthers’ first pick will be 97th overall as they had no selections in the first two rounds. Before the draft began on Friday, Zito spoke to reporters in Las Vegas. Here are some key points from that conversation.

**How have the past few days been?**
“Crazy. I joked that I felt like a wedding planner, trying to make everything perfect for the players to enjoy while managing unexpected issues. It’s a busy period with a tight window to sign players and prepare for free agency.”

**Have you made any progress despite the quick turnaround?**
“Yes. We kept working throughout the playoffs, although it was less efficient as we advanced further. Fortunately, last year’s experience helped us stay prepared, particularly on the pro side. Much of the work was done in advance.”

**What’s the status with Sam Reinhart?**
“I can only say we hope to have him back and are trying to retain as many players as possible. I’m optimistic, but we’ll see.”

**Can you keep both Reinhart and Montour?**
“I’m not sure. There’s a way, but I understand that players deserve to be paid well and seek better opportunities. We respect that. Hopefully, we’re a team that players consider worth joining.”

**What’s the challenge of handling so many unrestricted free agents?**
“There might be missed opportunities. It’s like fishing in crowded waters. However, we’ve planned ahead and will proceed accordingly. We have a solid core and hope to keep as many players as possible.”

**How do you plan to balance the cap?**
“We’ll spend up to the cap limit. If a player wants more and we don’t have it, there’s nothing we can do. It’s frustrating, but unavoidable.”

**Do you have a detailed plan for free agency?**
“Yes and no. We categorize and outline our plans, using a structured approach. We evaluate each situation, so if one option isn’t available, we move to the next.”

**How important is Day 2 of the draft?**
“It’s crucial. Our scouting staff works incredibly hard, and despite having gaps in recent years, the draft is vital for our future.”