Panthers executive Rick Dudley reflects on GM Bill Zito’s heartfelt gesture during Stanley Cup Final victory celebration

Florida Panthers executive Rick Dudley addressed the thoughtful gesture Panthers GM Bill Zito showed him following the club’s Stanley Cup victory. Dudley made the statements during the Cup party in Lewiston.

The long-time Buffalo Sabres player and coach, now a senior advisor for the Panthers, had this to say about Zito’s gesture, per Sabres insider Mike Harrington:

“Bill’s been a good friend of mine for a long time. He wanted me to enjoy what he was enjoying. And I think he was more excited for me than for himself. I really do.”

Dudley played over 750 pro hockey games across various leagues, appearing in 309 NHL games for the Sabres and Winnipeg Jets. He was the head coach in Buffalo for three seasons (1989 to 1992) before moving to other minor-league coaching positions and executive roles. However, he had never won a Stanley Cup.

Now, Dudley got his Cup. He would go on to state:

“There’s one thing I know: Billy’s a smart guy. He knew that if he handed me the trophy, he’s the GM. He was on national TV. He knew I would be, too.”

Dudley concluded:

“He did that on purpose.”

The Cats’ victory last season was a long time coming for several players, coaches, and executives. Plus, the Cats’ fanbase waited more than 30 years to see their team hoist the Cup.

President of Finland honors five Florida Panthers players

The President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, hosted the Cats’ five Finnish members for dinner on their native soil. Players Sasha Barkov, Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, Niko Mikkola, and coach Tuomo Ruutu spent some time back home.

During the visit, Barkov handed President Stubb a Panthers jersey to mark the occasion. The Hockey News quoted President Stubb as saying:

“An honour to host our Finnish Stanley Cup winners. Great gang. We are so proud of you guys.”

The visit was a prelude to an eventual overseas trip for the Stanley Cup. Per tradition, players get to spend a day with the Cup in their hometowns.

In the meantime, the Finnish champions get to take some much-deserved time off back home. The great news is that Finnish hockey fans will have a chance to see their local heroes in action this November. The Cats will play in the Global Series at the Nokia Arena in Tampere.

The treat will be extra special as the local fans will also get to see other Finnish players on the Dallas Stars, such as Miro Heiskanen, Roope Hintz, and Esa Lindell.