Watch: Lindy Ruff gets ovation from Buffalo fans before making Stars' pick

Jim Nill knew where he was Friday night.

The Dallas Stars general manager let head coach Lindy Ruff make the club's first-round pick at the NHL Draft in Buffalo, and the fans at First Niagara Center showed their appreciation for the former Sabres bench boss.

Ruff coached the Sabres for nearly 15 seasons from 1997 to 2013, guiding them to eight playoff appearances and a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 1999.

He won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's top head coach with Buffalo in 2006 and earned a nomination as a finalist this season with Dallas.

Credit Nill for being aware of the moment, and to the Buffalo fans, who took a break from booing many of the other clubs to pay Ruff respect.

(Video courtesy: Dallas Stars)