As is tradition in sports, it didn't take long after the Buffalo Sabres fired GM Tim Murray for the list of potential replacements to start percolating on Twitter.
One of the names mentioned from the beginning was Blue Jackets assistant GM Bill Zito, who has been with Columbus since 2013 and is viewed by many as a rising star in the management profession. Zito came to the Blue Jackets after a successful run as co-founder of Acme World Sports, one of the top representation firms in hockey.
ESPN's John Buccigross reported Saturday afternoon that Zito has formally interviewed with the Sabres, an indication that their process is well underway.
Was told the @BuffaloSabres interviewed Bill Zito today and Paul Fenton (@PredsNHL AssistGM) earlier in the week. Impressive lineup.
— Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) April 29, 2017
The Buffalo News originally reported on Zito's candidacy last week. Other names mentioned in connection with the Sabres job include former Kings GM Dean Lombardi, Penguins associate GM Jason Botterill and Devils assistant GM Tom Fitzgerald.
