Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner recorded his 500th career assist during Thursday night’s win over the Seattle Kraken.

The milestone assist occurred in the first period when Marner recorded a helper on a goal from defenceman Philippe Myers, who found the back of the net for the first time since November 17, 2022. He became the fourth player in franchise history to record 500 assists with the Leafs, with the other three players being Darryl Sittler, Borje Salming, and Mats Sundin.

“Yeah, it’s really cool. I don’t really want solo achievements in this league or enjoy them as much as maybe people should,” Marner told reporters how it felt about the accomplishment after the game. “You know, a lot of credit to the guys around me that have been here with me since day one and some guys that have moved on. They’re the ones putting the puck in the net, I am just trying to find them in the right areas. Lucky enough it has worked out.”

Marner also became the fastest in Leafs history to reach 500 assists, as he did so in his 629th career game. He even became the third fastest among active players to achieve the milestone, with the only players to do it faster being Sidney Crosby (554) and Connor McDavid (527). As a result of his outstanding achievement, his teammates gave Marner the MVP belt after the game.

Suffice it to say that the rest of the Leafs were buzzing about Marner rewriting the franchise record books.

“He’s a one-of-a-kind player,” goalie Anthony Stolarz said. “His vision on the ice both defensively and offensively. I don’t think he gets enough appreciation for his defensive game as well; he always in the right spot, he’s always stripping guys and always picking passes. I’m happy for him, and it’s a testament to the kind of player he is.”

“I think he sees the ice better than anyone,” forward Bobby McMann told reporters after the game. “The way he plays the game, the way he thinks it, is different. I’m not surprised he has 500, it’s an incredible milestone and congrats to him. Just how he plays the game, there’s many more to come and I think he is just elite in that aspect.”

This marks the second significant milestone that Marner has achieved this season, as he became the fastest player in team history to reach the 700-point mark on January 17th with an assist on an Auston Matthews goal against the New Jersey Devils. He easily surpassed Darryl Sittler’s previous record of 666 games by reaching it in his 622 career game.

“He does everything. Best player in the league,” Myers said to TSN’s Mark Masters during the first intermission. “He’s an amazing teammate, I’ve got nothing but good things to say about that guy. He’s fun to watch every night.”

He had missed the Leafs’ previous game due to a lower-body injury, so to rewrite the history books in his return to action is quite an impressive feat, to say the least. There is no telling where things go from here in terms of Marner’s long-term future with the team, but it should not take away from the significance of what he has done for the team throughout his career so far.

“He’s a very good all-around player, we know that. All situation guy,” head coach Craig Berube said. “He’s a very good playmaker, obviously, and he can do it all. Great accomplishment for him, we’re very happy for him.”

Marner will look to continue his ascent up the franchise leaderboards when the Leafs face the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.