Daniel Winnik announces retirement after 19-year pro career

Former NHLer and long-time Swiss National League pro, Daniel Winnik has announced his retirement via the social media app X.

“For the past 19 years, I have lived a dream, from signing my first contract with the Phoenix Coyotes to my last with Geneva Servette,” Winnik said. “Some experiences I thought would only remain dreams became reality: being coached by Wayne Gretzky, playing for my hometown team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and representing Canada at the Olympic Games. I am grateful to all my teammates and coaches throughout my life for pushing me to be better. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Geneva Servette, the fans, and the city for everything over the past six years. Helping to bring the city two championships will forever be my most cherished career memories. Geneva was the only place I truly called home, and it holds a special place in my heart. Merci pour tout.”

The 39-year-old was initially drafted No. 265 overall in the ninth round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Phoenix Coyotes. Winnik made his NHL debut in the 2007-08 campaign where he tallied 11 goals and 26 points in 79 games. Winnik’s tenure with the Coyotes would last three seasons before he moved on to play for the Colorado Avalanche. Winnik spent two seasons in the ‘Mile High City’ before being dealt to the San Jose Sharks at the 2012 NHL trade deadline.

Winnik continued to bounce around in the latter half of his NHL career, struggling to find a permanent home but was able to maintain scoring 20-30 point seasons. As Winnik’s NHL career started to wind down, he spent time with the Anaheim Ducks, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals and Minnesota Wild. Throughout his 11-year NHL career, Winnik tallied 82 goals and 169 assists for 251 points.

Following his NHL career, Winnik embarked on a journey to Switzerland. He signed a deal with Geneva Servette and during his first season notched 31 points in 41 games. Winnik’s rise in the National League was a breath of fresh air for the journeyman, during the 2020-21 campaign, Winnik was named assistant captain. During the 2022-23 season, he helped lead Geneva to an NL Championship tallying 46 points in 47 regular season games and just this past season helped lead them to a Champions Hockey League Championship.

Winnik’s international career also kicked off when he got to Switzerland where he was named to Team Canada’s Spengler Cup roster during the 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2022-23 seasons. During the 2019-20 Spengler Cup, he helped Canada capture the trophy.