The Columbus Blue Jackets announced Monday they have hired former NHL agent Bill Zito as an assistant general manager.

Zito is the founder and former president of Acme World Sports LLC and represented NHL players since 1995. Some of his most well-known clients were Tim Thomas, Brian Rafalski, Kimmo Timonen, Antti Niemi, Valtteri Filppula and Tuukka Rask. Zito negotiated two of the biggest contracts of the offseason with the Tampa Bay Lightning for Filppula, who was an unrestricted free agent formerly of the Detroit Red Wings, and the Boston Bruins for Rask, who signed a seven-year deal to stay with the team after reaching restricted free agency.

"Bill Zito is an astute businessman who understands all facets of our game and will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Columbus Blue Jackets," general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said in a statement. "I have known Bill for many years and believe he will be a great addition to our hockey operations staff as we continue our efforts to build a championship-caliber team."

Zito graduated from Yale University in 1987 and attended law school at the University of Wisconsin while serving as an assistant coach for the Badgers' varsity hockey team. He also was a radio color commentator for Badgers hockey. He founded Acme World Sports LLC in 1995.

"It is with sincere humility and appreciation that I have accepted this opportunity to work with [Blue Jackets president of hockey operations] John Davidson, Jarmo Kekalainen, [assistant general manager] Chris MacFarland and the Blue Jackets' staff," Zito said in a statement. "I am excited and focused to begin this new journey."