Bill Zito is becoming a popular name for GM openings.
He was reportedly a finalist for the Buffalo Sabres GM job that ultimately went to Jason Botterill. He was mentioned as a candidate for the Carolina Hurricanes job that remains vacant after new owner Tom Dundon forced out Ron Francis.
And now, the wheels are turning again.
The Minnesota Wild have an opening at GM after dismissing Chuck Fletcher last week, and according to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic/TSN, Zito is a candidate. LeBrun reported Saturday that Zito interviewed with Wild owner Craig Leipold on Thursday, becoming the second known candidate (along with longtime Nashville assistant GM Paul Fenton) to discuss the job with Minnesota.
Fenton, who was a finalist for the Wild job that went to Fletcher a decade ago, is considered to be the front-runner.
Hearing that Jackets AGM Bill Zito interviewed with the Minnesota Wild about their vacant GM job on Thursday... Wild talking to different candidates as the process continues. As @RussoHockey reported earlier this week, Preds AGM Paul Fenton first interviewed with the Wild as well
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) April 28, 2018
Zito, 53, is considered by many to be GM material and he's done extensive work with USA Hockey as well. Zito is serving as GM of the 2018 U.S. Men's National Team, which will participate in the IIHF World Championships next month in Denmark.
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