In the 2014 offseason, shortly after the Leafs' end of season collapse that prevented them from making the playoffs, they went into free agency to make one final push for the playoffs, and signed a few players to one year deals to boulster their roster. One of these players was Daniel Winnik. A big, solid two way player that could play any forward position seemed like somebody you'd like on your team for the playoffs. Winnik has had a wild ride in Toronto so far, so let's take a look at what he's done for the Leafs.
From the beginning of his tenure in Toronto, he was expected to play a bottom six defensive role, and he accepted it, saying that he would play wherever needed. Winnik would step in and have a solid season for the Leafs, appearing in 56 games and recording 20 points. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins at the trade deadline in exchange for a 2016 2nd round pick, a 2015 4th round pick, and Zach Sill. In Pittsburgh, Winnik would record 9 points in 21 regular season games and no points in 5 playoff appearences, resulting in the Penguins letting him test free agency. The Leafs would then contact Winnik and sign him to a two year contract. It's likely that Winnik will have a rather short tenure in Toronto again, but it's possible he could stick around for the full two years of his contract.
STATUS: RENTAL
Since Winnik has two years left on his contract, expect him to stay with the Leafs for the entire 2015-16 season as a veteran and depth player. However, if the Leafs are looking to unload players and get picks and prospects in return in the 2016-17 season, then expect Winnik to be moved.
2015-16 ROLE: BOTTOM SIX FORWARD
At this point, the Leafs have a handful of bottom six calibre forwards that could play anywhere on the third or fourth line, including Winnik, Nick Spaling, Mark Arcobello, Leo Komarov, Shawn Matthias, Taylor Beck, etc. so it's very hard to predict who will play where next season, but a bottom six role for Winnik seems reasonable.
This was my last Leaf of the Day in the series. Thanks for reading, Leafs fans.
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