Columbus Blue Jackets vice president of hockey operations Bill Zito is the new general manager of the Florida Panthers, the team announced Wednesday.

"I'm humbled and honored to accept the position of General Manager of the Florida Panthers," Zito said in a statement. "... I believe in this organization and I am incredibly proud to be a part of it. Our team has great potential and I look forward to start working together in building something special in South Florida. I can't wait to get to work."