The glass-half-full group looks at the 28-year-old as a local area kid who grew up dreaming of playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs and subsequently became one of the top points producers in franchise history, ranking fifth all-time.

Instead of shelling out for bottom-six options, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving is choosing patience after the departure of Mitch Marner. He’d rather survey the trade market, target a bona fide top-six forward and make a hard pitch.

After nine seasons in Toronto, Mitch Marner leaves Toronto as the fifth-highest scoring Maple Leaf in team history.