FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW’s George Richards reported Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito signed a multiyear deal with the team yesterday, meaning he will remain with the franchise he has transformed for the foreseeable future. It is believed Zito “signed a five-year contract when he joined the Panthers in 2020.” This is his fourth season, already making Zito the "third-longest tenured GM in franchise history." The Panthers also announced that Zito will now be President of Hockey Operations. Under Zito, the Panthers have made the playoffs four straight years including this one (FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW, 4/15).
BLOCK PARTY: In Toronto, Dan Bilicki noted the Maple Leafs tailgate parties outside Scotiabank Arena will return for the playoffs, packing fans into Maple Leaf Square during "both home and away games." Fans will get to enjoy a live DJ, special guests and giveaways while watching the game on the arena’s massive outdoor screen. To attend, fans are “required to register” for up to two free non-transferable mobile passes available on the Maple Leafs app. Passes will become available at 1pm ET the day prior to each confirmed game, and space in each viewing zone is “subject to availability” (TORONTO SUN, 4/15).
