[2] He immediately made his professional debut with American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage, to finish the 2005–06 season.

In his first full professional year in 2006–07, Winnik played in a checking role with the Rampage scoring 21 points in 66 games while also spending a stint in the ECHL with secondary affiliate, the Phoenix RoadRunners.

In 2007–08, Winnik made the Coyotes line-up out of training camp and scored his first NHL goal in his debut on October 4, 2007, in a 3–2 win against the St. Louis Blues.

[6] Winnik quickly rebounded in the following 2009–10 season, regaining a checking line role and finding his scoring touch, tying his career high with 15 assists.

[11] Unable to agree to terms with the Sharks on a new contract, Winnik was signed as a free agent to a two-year deal with division rivals, the Anaheim Ducks on July 20, 2012.

[13] In the 2014–15 season, Winnik proved a versatile asset for the Maple Leafs with his penalty killing abilities and scoring touch, notching 25 points in 58 appearances, and having spent time on all four lines.

[16] After collecting a career-best 12 goals and contributing with 25 points in 72 games for the Presidents' Trophy-winning Capitals in the 2016–17 season, Winnik became a free agent at the conclusion of his contract.

[18] After attending training camp and remaining on the roster through the pre-season, Winnik was belatedly released from his PTO contract and signed abroad with Genève-Servette HC of the Swiss National League on October 1, 2018.