Winnik (lower body) will return to action Thursday against the Predators, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winnik exited Saturday's game against the Capitals after suffering a lower-body injury in the first period, and was ultimately unable to return to the contest. He wasn't able to suit up for Tuesday's game against the Stars, either, but has recovered enough from the ding to slot back into Toronto's lineup Thursday against Nashville. Winnik is expected to return to his role skating alongside Nick Spaling and Joffrey Lupul on the Leafs' third line in Thursday's tilt.

Winnik (lower body) won't play Tuesday against the Stars, TSN's Mark Masters reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winnik suffered a lower-body injury in the first period of Saturday's game against the Capitals, and was ultimately unable to return to the contest as a result. The ding is not believed to be overly serious, but it will cost the 30-year-old winger at least one more game, as he will not suit up for Tuesday's tilt against Dallas. His next chance to return to game action will come Thursday against Nashville. Peter Holland is expected to draw into Toronto's lineup for Tuesday's game in Winnik's absence.

Winnik is expected to travel with the team for Toronto's upcoming two-game road trip, but is doubtful to play Tuesday against Dallas, Jonas Siegel of TSN Radio 1050 reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winnik has been one of the lone bright spots for the Leafs during this campaign, scoring six points in 14 games as a bottom-six forward. The Leafs should be thrilled if Winnik misses only one game, which looks to be the case if Winnik does indeed travel with the team on their two-game road trip.

Updating an earlier report, Winnik did not return to Saturday's game after suffering a lower-body injury in the first period, reports the Toronto Star. After the game, the team indicated the injury was not serious.

EDGE Analysis

He fell awkwardly when his skate got caught with Washington's Justin Williams. It's great news that Winnik should be back quickly, although he's not exactly burning the barn doors off with his offence.

Winnik sustained an apparent injury to his left knee early in the first period of Saturday's road game against the Capitals, David Alter of the National Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winnik made quick work of scoring the first goal of the game but then his night took an ugly turn when he got tripped up with winger Justin Williams and had his left knee bend awkwardly. It is unclear at this point if he will be able to return to the game.

Winnik picked up three helpers in Friday's 6-3 win over the Blue Jackets.

EDGE Analysis

Winnik set up Jake Gardiner for the Leafs' first of six goals in the second period before factoring into tallies by Joffrey Lupul and Leo Komarov in the third. The mini outburst actually gives the 30-year-old journeyman four points in four games this season, which is the kind of terrific start he needs if he hopes to challenge his career high of 34 set last year.

Winnik, who brings a defense-first mentality to the game, has clicked with newcomer Nick Spaling on the Leafs' third line. "Our goal is the same, to shut the other team down," said Winnik. "But at the same time we understand when you're in the offensive zone and try to score goals, that's what makes it hard for them to score against you."

EDGE Analysis

The two play a strong, down-low game in the offensive zone and are tough in the cycle. And they roll over the boards on the penalty kill, too, in addition to regular third-line duty. Winnik has scored 20 goals in an NHL season, though, so he could have some fantasy value in super-deep leagues where he could be rolled as a forward, not a center.

Winnik signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract with the Maple Leafs on Wednesday, Elliotte Friedman of Hockey Night in Canada reports. Winnik inked a one-year deal with the Maple Leafs when he was a free agent last July, but after the team fell out of contention by midseason, he was shipped to Pittsburgh. The forward didn't make a huge splash during his time in the Steel City, but between both stops last season, he finished with a respectable 34 points across 79 games. The 30-year-old figures to assume a second- or third-line spot for the Maple Leafs until young wing prospects Kasperi Kapanen and Mitch Marner are ready for top-six role.

Winnik is expected to skate with Sidney Crosby and David Perron against Carolina on Thursday, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Winnik, who skated on Crosby's line Tuesday, has scored a goal and an assist in his last two games. He understands his role while playing with Crosby. "He's told me some things that I never really thought about before, so he's helped me in that aspect," Winnik noted. "I just have to play my game. Quick on pucks and be strong on it down low, create space for them when I can. It's about winning one-on-one battles, especially board battles." Winnik will likely return to the third line when Patric Hornqvist (undisclosed) comes back this weekend, but he makes for a good play in daily leagues Thursday.

Winnik picked up a shorthanded assist, an even-strength assist and a plus-2 rating Thursday in a win over Edmonton. It's his first multi-point game as a Penguin, and he now has three helpers in six games in his new digs. Never much of a scorer, Winnik remains a low-end fantasy option best used in deep formats.