Columbus Blue Jackets assistant general manager Bill Zito is among the contenders to be named GM of the Seattle expansion franchise.

"We are in the process of speaking with a number of candidates, Bill Zito among them," NHL Seattle president and CEO Tod Leiweke told The Seattle Times' Geoff Baker. "There are certainly many aspects of him that we like and find intriguing. He's certainly somebody that brings a lot to the table and that I'm sure a lot of clubs would be interested in."

Leiweke said the process is still in its preliminary stages and wouldn't name any of the other hopefuls with whom the league's newest franchise has spoken.

Zito is a former player agent who joined the Blue Jackets in the summer of 2013. He was named general manager of their AHL affiliate, now the Cleveland Monsters, two years later.

The 54-year-old also served as GM of the U.S. squad at last year's World Championship.

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