Maple Leafs' Boyes' father planted maple tree when he was drafted by team in 2000

Never forget your roots.

It seems as though newly signed Toronto Maple Leafs forward Brad Boyes and his family have taken that little ditty to heart.

Boyes, who signed a one-year contract with the Maple Leafs on Sunday after making good on his professional tryout, said that back when he was drafted by the Maple Leafs in the first round, 24th overall in 2000, his dad planted a maple tree.

"Now it's 15 years later and the tree's a lot bigger," Boyes told TSN's Jonas Seigel.

Having grown up just outside Toronto in Mississauga, ON, the 33-year-old is thrilled to be playing close to home in front of big crowds, especially after spending two seasons with the Florida Panthers.

"It's going to be exciting," Boyes said, "probably more exciting than when I was in Florida and having nobody around."