The celebration of John Tavares’s 500th NHL goal was a lot more memorable for the hometown favourite than the scoring play itself.

Tavares barely acknowledged the milestone last week in Columbus, a third-period afterthought in a 6-3 loss . Tavares schlepped silently to the visitors’ bench, teammates giving him space knowing the awkward game situation, with coach Craig Berube whispering quiet congratulations.

Wednesday night at Scotiabank Arena was the flip side — a pre-game ceremony before the Leafs played the Utah Mammoth.

A video that ran through several of his big goals as No. 1 pick overall of the New York Islanders through seven years as a Leaf was shown with Tavares’ wife and three young children in attendance. Toronto general manager Brad Treliving presented a “golden” engrave

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