This time around, Dominic Moore expects things to be different.

The journeyman pivot signed a one-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1, marking the second stint of his career with his hometown club. Moore donned the blue and white for 101 games between 2007-2009 - a time when making the playoffs was largely an afterthought for a franchise that perennially occupied the bottom of the league standings.

But now, a decade later, the 36-year-old Moore believes he's picked a winner.

"For me, all things considered, this was a no-brainer. Not just because it's home. More so because it's a great opportunity to join a great team," Moore told Sportsnet's Luke Fox. "I'm happy with how things played out."

Moore suited up for the Boston Bruins in 2016-17, and saw firsthand how the Maple Leafs rapidly emerged as a playoff contender in the Eastern Conference.

"They seem to play the game at a speed that other teams aren't playing. That's a testament to the coaching staff, what they're trying to instill in them on a daily basis. The speed and skill of the team is at an incredible level," Moore said. "Up and down the ice, transitioning both ways. Down and back at lightning speed.

"It's more than potential right now. I think they've proven what they can do, and hopefully we can build on that."

Last season, on the strength of a rookie-led, high-octane offense, Toronto qualified for the playoffs in an 82-game season for the first time since 2004, and along with Moore, the Maple Leafs have brought in veterans Patrick Marleau and Ron Hainsey in hopes of solidifying a roster with growing aspirations of competing for a Stanley Cup.

Moore chipped in 25 points for the Bruins in 82 games last season, and is expected to fill the role of fourth-line center and penalty killer under head coach Mike Babcock.

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