Ron MacLean “definitely” sees the Toronto Maple Leafs taking a run at Steven Stamkos this summer.

The Hockey Night in Canada icon explained to Dean Blundell & Co. Monday morning why a Stamkos homecoming makes sense for the Maple Leafs, especially now that they’ve secured the first-overall pick in the 2016 draft.

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Some free agents don’t want the scrutiny that comes with playing for such a hockey-mad, media-rich metropolis. Stamkos, MacLean, argues, is not one of those players.

“That’s the big thing. When you bring guys into Toronto — the city, the pressure, the temptations, all the things that go with Toronto — you got to be ready. And Stamkos is the one guy I would trust to be ready,” MacLean said on Sportsnet 590 The Fan.

“He’s like [Sidney] Crosby. On and off the ice, he’s incredibly disciplined. I would definitely go get him.”

LISTEN: Ron MacLean talks Stamkos, Lightning, Marlies, playoffs

Stamkos, 26, led the Tampa Bay Lightning with 36 goals this season but has yet to participate in the playoffs. Recovering from a blood clot, the captain is back skating but hasn’t participated in a full-contact practise. He is hopeful to return for the conference final, just as the Bolts remain hopeful to re-sign the superstar.

Lightning executive Dave Andreychuk said Wednesday he believes Stamkos will stay with Tampa.

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MacLean sees a parallel between Stamkos and presumptive No. 1 draft pick Auston Matthews and Lee Fogolin and a young Wayne Gretzky in the early 1980s. You need an established leader to set an example for a young prodigy.

Not until the Great One had four full NHL seasons under his belt did he assume the C from the veteran Fogolin.

“They’re going to get Matthews, but they’re going to need someone to show Auston the way,” said MacLean.

With his tireless work ethic, sterling off-ice reputation and insatiable desire to win, Stamkos is what the kids call “a Mike Babcock type of player.” If the Leafs do pitch Stamkos on a long-term contract come July 1, surely Babcock will be front and centre in the recruitment process, as he was with last summer’s free agents.

“The only thing that’s interesting is that Stamkos didn’t get to play for Mike in the two Olympics,” MacLean said, “so I don’t know how well he knows Steve Stamkos, but I guarantee he’s the kind of guy he’ll go after.”