The Toronto Maple Leafs signed center Mike Santorelli to a one-year contract worth a reported $1.5 million and the 28-year-old is keenly aware of the fact that he doesn't have the luxury of resting on his laurels.

“The game is so competitive. You've always got to prove yourself," he told the Richmond Review. "And you've always got to get better because there’s always someone who wants to take your job.”

Santorelli scored 10 goals and added 18 assists in 49 games for the Vancouver Canucks last season, which put him on track to eclipse his career-high 41 points, recorded in 2010-11 as a member of the Florida Panthers.

Santorelli suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in January. His trainer, Vancouver Hockey School instructor Derek Popke, said he's intent on helping Santorelli get in the best shape possible in order to make an meaningful impact in Toronto and prolong his NHL career.

Sometimes the window of opportunity is really small. In [Santorelli’s] case, he’s going to a new team and they’re going to see where he slots in. He might start on the first line but he’s got to produce within the first five to seven games, whatever the coach decides. It’s tough to do that, especially when you’re still getting to know your linemates, but, being a skilled forward, your job is to produce. When you look at the top NHL players, they make it look easy and when you get on the ice with these guys you realize their talent level is through the roof. The other 85 per cent are just trying to keep up, so whatever you can do during the summer to gain even an inch, perhaps learning a different edge control coming out of a turn, helps your game and keeps your job. One thing can help them prolong a season or add two or three years to their careers.

As per Capgeek, the Maple Leafs currently have 15 forwards under contract for the upcoming season, which means Santorelli will need to step up and stand out in training camp in order to earn regular season playing time. Luckily for him, It appears Popke is intent on helping him do just that.