Zito Discusses How the Panthers are Overcoming Adversity in a Q&A with NHL.com

SUNRISE, Fla. — Following an unexpected journey to the 2023 Stanley Cup Final, the Florida Panthers have kicked off the current season with a strong start.

Panthers general manager, Bill Zito, is grateful for their fortunate position.

Despite facing a string of injuries at the start of the season, the Panthers have managed to overcome the hurdles. At 13-7-1, they currently rank second in the Atlantic Division, trailing the Boston Bruins by four points.

“We will take it,” Zito told NHL.com. “There have been some hiccups as just about every team does. But the margins are narrow and the gap between second and ninth is two or three points. It is still early.”

Florida had to face the absence of three key players at the start of the season, including Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour due to surgeries, along with center Sam Bennett’s lower-body injury.

Anticipating their absence, the Panthers signed several free-agent defensemen to bridge the gap until Ekblad and Montour’s return earlier this month.

Now fully healthy, the Panthers are looking to build on their strong start.

Zito recently shared with NHL.com how the team’s depth has helped them overcome the key injuries, Sam Reinhart’s impressive start, and the team’s future with the coach, Paul Maurice.

Are you surprised at all by the Panthers quick start this season, considering the injuries?

“We had the luxury of planning because we knew two of them would be out. The silver lining to that is Balinskis gets his chance and we see he’s a pretty good player. We also found out that we have some defensive depth. We all know we will need it. It is one thing to plan and it is another to see these guys step up. The new guys warmed up pretty quickly. You expect an adjustment period, but they came in hungry and ready to play.”

How pleased have you been with the Ekman-Larsson signing (one year, $2.25 million on July 1) and his play (five goals, six assists, 22:10 average ice time in 21 games)?

“We have been very lucky, blessed and fortunate to see so many players come here and flourish, have career years. Look at Carter Verhaeghe, Anthony Duclair, Alex Wennberg, Gustav Forsling. There are so many more. It is a pretty significant number of guys — and they are all different players, different personalities. That starts with the coaches. It has been unbelievable. Even some of the guys who were here got better. For ‘OEL,’ he’s a pretty good player, right? He’s a puck-moving defenseman and has fit right in.’’

Reinhart is off to a terrific start (team-leading 15 goals, 27 points) and can be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Have talks on a new contract started?

“Sam is a guy we would like to keep around. I am thrilled with the production and very happy for him. He works awfully hard and does so many little things for our team. He is a great leader and is a great person. It has been fun to see him get off to this start. He’s a pretty good hockey player. Last year he was snake-bitten but he is off to a great start.’’