from Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News,

The Stars named a new GM, a new coach and added a new No. 1 center. They changed their look, changed their personality and changed their reputation in the NHL in pretty much 12 months.

“The perception is completely changed, and I think that’s both locally and nationally,” Stars president Jim Lites said. “The feeling right now is we’re moving up, and I think at the heart of that process is Tom buying the team and doing what he’s done as an owner.”

Gaglardi said he’s having fun. The Vancouver businessman, whose family owns hotels and restaurants in Canada, is feeling the rhythm of ownership and is excited about the progress this season. He knows that the team can’t be completely turned in one season, but he also knows that this was a giant step forward.

“If you look on the ice, off the ice, it’s just all coming together,” he said. “You go into something like this thinking you can change things and make a difference, but to see it happen is very satisfying. We have a long way to go, but we made some huge steps this year.”

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