The biggest difference in Mark Hunter’s job now, as compared to the one he was in a year ago, is size.

As in, the size of the players. And the size of the mandate.

Hunter will be holding the drafting reins for the Maple Leafs as director of player personnel when the Leafs pick fourth (their own pick) and 24th (Nashville’s, from the Cody Franson trade) later this month.

It is the highest the Leafs have picked since choosing third overall in 1989.

“We’re looking at skill,” Hunter said. “Skill to us is hockey sense. Puck skills. All the things that make a guy unique. But you can never leave out character. I have no problem with a 5-10 guy that is physically strong and can get down the ice. Who would not like the (Tyler) Johnson kid out of Tampa? He’s not that big, but he’s wide. He’s strong."

“That’s not going to stop us from drafting a smaller guy. But you want some bigger guys, too. But we will not just focus on big guys.”

Hunter’s hiring this season comes at a time when the franchise is at a crossroads. The team has publicly forsaken quick fixes and has devoted itself to a patient — and likely painful — rebuild.

“As much as you draft them, you have to develop them,” Hunter said. “Be patient. And do not make a trade for a short-term gain. We have to be making sure these kids understand what it takes to be a pro. Don’t put them in situations you shouldn’t."

“We think we’re going to be more patient, give the kids more time to develop their game without losing their confidence when they come up.”