Source: Dallas Morning News

Tom Gaglardi didn't really see it as a big deal.

He's been to NHL drafts before and he's seen plenty of owners sitting at the draft table. So when his first draft came up, the Stars' new owner figured he'd be right in the middle of the action at the draft table in Pittsburgh on Friday and Saturday.

"It was a great experience, and it's a good way to get a feel for the team," said Gaglardi, who also had a seat in key meetings. "It's not like I was in there telling them who to pick, I was just observing."

Gaglardi brings an interesting passion to his team. The Vancouver businessman still plays hockey on a regular basis and he has been a key part of rebuilding his Major Junior team in Kamloops, British Columbia. In fact, when the Stars traded Mike Ribeiro for Cody Eakin on Friday, it was suggested the best scouting report on Eakin could be obtained from Gaglardi, who had watched Eakin's progress in the Western Hockey League.

"I do know him and I like him a lot," Gaglardi said. "So, yeah, I was definitely on board with that deal."

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