Optimistic is the word Toronto Maple Leafs’ centre Peter Holland settles on to describe the future of the franchise.

Acquired from the Anaheim Ducks in 2013, Holland has been a member of a Leafs team that has experienced one of the lowest points in the franchise’s 100-year history, and is now in the midst of a complete overhaul. New management has been brought in, with president Brendan Shanahan and general manager Lou Lamoriello headlining a rebuild that includes Mike Babcock leading the charge from behind the bench.

Holland said Babcock’s resume, which includes a Stanley Cup and two Olympic gold medals, has brought a new mentality and culture to the team.

“He just knows how to win, and it kind of comes from the details with him. He’s very detailed-oriented,” Holland explained. “He doesn’t let you get away with anything; it’s a very tight rope, tight leash on those guys. I think it’s great for our group though because it kind of got a little haywire there for the last little bit, so it’s nice that he’s come and reined us in.”

The forward gives the head coach credit for being persistent.

“He just makes sure we’re doing the right things day in and day out,” Holland said. “It’s not always perfect and he knows we’re going to make mistakes, but you know he’s there to correct us when we do.”

The new regime is looking to develop a winning culture that not only lasts for a couple of years, but builds a foundation for long-term success. Doing so requires establishing a great scouting and player-development framework, something that Babcock’s former team, the Detroit Red Wings, have mastered over the years. It has helped the Red Wings make the playoffs 25 straight seasons and counting, despite never having a draft pick in the top 10 during that span.

It has only been a year under the new regime, but Holland is already impressed with the prospects being pumped out of the system.

“They’ve done a great job,” he said. “A lot of guys had opportunities and I think a lot of them took advantage of it. It’s been pretty neat.”

Barring any trading of draft picks, the Leafs will acquire 12 more players for their system at the NHL Draft on June 24-25 in Buffalo. That haul will include whomever the team selects first overall, a luxury the franchise has not has since drafting Wendel Clark in 1985. Auston Matthews, the prospective first-overall pick, has already made a good impression on Holland.

“He’s a big guy. He skates well and has a good shot,” Holland said. “Based on those things, I think he can have an impact right away.”

Regardless which players the Leafs pick, the Toronto native has a piece of advice for all future rookies trying to break into the league.

“Try not to be nervous. It’s a pretty nerve-racking thing when you go to your first NHL camp, and I was guilty of looking around the room and being, ‘Oh, there’s Ryan Getzlaf. There’s Corey Perry, Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne.’ You know, just go in and play your game,” he said. “Soak it in because it goes by really fast.”

While playing in a big market like Toronto does have its pressures, it also has its positives. One is having a profile and platform to raise money and awareness for important causes. Holland is partnering with Montreal Canadiens’ defenceman P.K. Subban to serve as athlete ambassadors for the second annual All-Star Gala in Support of SickKids and Montreal Children’s Hospital on Friday night in Toronto.

It’s an event that is very close to Holland’s heart. About a decade ago, his two-year-old cousin, Ryan Hill, died from liver cancer. The tragedy took a big toll on Holland’s family, but the Toronto forward has done his best to turn the situation into a positive.

“I remember his dad, my uncle Paul, saying, ‘You know, if you ever have a chance in hockey to give back, it would mean a lot,’” Holland said. “I mean, fortuitous or destiny, whatever it may be, I became a Toronto Maple Leaf and kind of have the ability now to do something to raise money for a great cause at SickKids Hospital. It’s kind of cool that it’s come full circle and I’m able to do that and help out.”

The Gala raised $75,000 last year, and this time around the goal is $150,000 for the two hospitals. Holland is stunned over the growth of the event.

“It’s amazing. The amount of support that our event gathers is great. I think it’s the cause itself that generates it. Everyone has a story or a relative or they know somebody that’s been affected by SickKids Hospital,” Holland said. “Everyone kind of rallies around it and it’s a lot of fun. Our event brings everyone together.”

For these reasons, Holland believes he is with the right team, and is grateful to be a Maple Leaf.

“It sounds like a complete cliché, but it’s a dream come true … They were my favourite team growing up and to be a Maple Leaf now, it’s really special.”