John Tavares followed his heart to Toronto but not before using his brain in every imaginable way as he studied the biggest decision of his career.



Back and forth he went, examining the merits of every situation presented to him last week, and there was one Toronto Maple Leafs player that certainly made an impact in his final decision.



A year ago, it was Patrick Marleau who agonized over leaving the only NHL team he had ever known in San Jose for the hockey mecca of Toronto, and it took him the extra while to finally say yes and take the plunge with the Maple Leafs.



All those questions and fears that Marleau had a year ago, he helped answer last week when Tavares came calling.



“I was impressed how thorough he was, he had a list of questions and he was specific with what he was asking about,” Marleau told The Athletic over the phone on Sunday, hours after Tavares’ blockbuster signing with the Leafs.



Which is something...