Leafs" Daniel Winnik leaves game on stretcher A scary incident overshadowed the on-ice action in Denver on Thursday night. Toronto Maple Leafs winger Daniel Winnik was knocked unconscious early in the first period when he was up-ended by Colorado Avalanche defenceman Jan Hejda. It wasn't a dirty play, but Winnik fell awkwardly, coming down on the side of his head. He then stopped moving and slid along the ice face first before medical personnel were able to attend to him. Winnik was taken off on a stretcher shortly afterward. He had his eyes open and appeared to be moving his hands. "Daniel Winnik is alert and moving," the Leafs posted to their official Twitter account later in the first period. He is currently being evaluated by the Leafs team doctor. A 29-year-old Toronto native, Winnik has been a pleasant surprise after signing in his hometown as a free agent in the summer and had been playing on the Leafs top line.