Winnik looking forward to a challenge with Maple Leafs

Daniel Winnik knows what his new head coach Mike Babcock said about the Toronto Maple Leafs: "There's pain coming." But the 30-year-old is hoping his second go-round in blue and white won't be too painful.

In fact, he's looking forward to the monumental task ahead for Toronto.

"I don't see us in full rebuild mode," Winnik told the NHLPA's Chris Lomon. "I don't think it's going to be, 'This will be extremely painful, we're going to lose a lot of games.' What happened post-December I don't know. But I like that challenge."

Winnik played 58 games for the Leafs last year, scoring seven goals and adding 18 assists, before he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He signed with Toronto as a free agent, inking a two-year deal worth $4.5 million.

Winnik's an excellent penalty killer, and has strong possession stats. He's looking to make an impact in many ways in Toronto.

"If I can be a guy who can help some of the younger guys, and contribute in whatever way I can, I'm happy to do it," he said. "Leadership is going to be a key thing. I'm really looking forward to contributing in that way. I've been fortunate in that I've played with a lot of great leaders over my career. So, hopefully, I can bring what I've learned over time and help here."

Winnik leads by example, and will be on the same page as Babcock in terms of effort.

"You want to be a team that competes right until the final buzzer," he added. "I'm sure everyone is still trying to figure out what went wrong last year. I don't think we're a bad hockey team."