Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford has garnered consideration since being drafted thirty first total within the 2024 NHL Draft. A defenseman with a strong two-way sport, Danford has proven regular improvement throughout his time with the Oshawa Generals within the Ontario Hockey League (OHL.) Because the Leafs look to construct their future blue line, Danford’s ability set, physicality, and potential make him a participant to look at.
Danford’s Robust Defensive Instincts and Offensive Playmaking
At 6-foot-2 and 192 kilos, Danford is thought for his defensive reliability and bodily presence on the ice. He makes use of his measurement successfully to win battles alongside the boards and in entrance of the web. His shot-blocking potential and willingness to play powerful minutes make him an excellent candidate for a shutdown position on the NHL degree.
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Wes Clark, the Maple Leafs’ director of newbie scouting, praised Danford’s defensive IQ, noting his “elite intangibles” and “glorious defensive instincts.” These traits are essential for a defenseman aiming to play vital minutes towards prime competitors within the NHL.
Whereas primarily identified for his defensive sport, Danford has considerably improved his offensive contributions. His 2023-24 season with Oshawa was a breakout 12 months in playmaking, as he posted 33 factors (one purpose, 32 assists) in 64 video games, in comparison with 21 factors within the earlier season.
This uptick in assists highlights Danford’s potential to maneuver the puck and create scoring alternatives from the again finish. His imaginative and prescient on the ice has improved, and he’s changing into extra comfy becoming a member of the frenzy when the chance presents itself. As he develops, this offensive edge might make him a extra full two-way defenseman.
Stable Playoff Performer Based mostly Upon Bodily Play and Self-discipline
Considered one of Danford’s most notable qualities is his potential to step up in high-pressure conditions. In the course of the 2024 OHL Playoffs, he was instrumental in Oshawa’s run to the championship sequence, contributing 4 objectives and 6 assists in 21 playoff video games. This was a big enchancment from the earlier season’s playoffs, the place he managed just one help in 5 video games.
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Danford’s playoff efficiency reveals that he thrives when the stakes are highest. Having a participant who can elevate his sport through the playoffs is invaluable for an NHL group just like the Maple Leafs, which has confronted its justifiable share of postseason struggles.
Danford’s bodily play is among the most tasty features of his sport. He’s not afraid to get entangled within the rougher aspect of hockey, delivering large hits and defending his group’s crease with authority. OHL scouts have famous his toughness, describing him as somebody who isn’t afraid to “hand out some lumber” to opposing gamers.
On the similar time, Danford has proven improved self-discipline. Within the 2022-23 season, he racked up 42 penalty minutes and had a minus-4 score, indicating that he was nonetheless discovering the stability between physicality and clever defensive play. Nonetheless, in 2023-24, his penalty minutes dropped to 25, and his plus/minus jumped to plus-27, reflecting a extra managed and mature strategy to his sport.
Growth Path, NHL Readiness, and Damage Issues
Whereas Danford is anticipated to return to the OHL for the 2024-25 season, his trajectory suggests he might be NHL-ready inside a number of years. Scouts have projected him as a possible 22-minute-a-night defenseman, able to logging vital minutes towards prime opponents. His potential to play in all conditions—energy play, penalty kill, and even energy—makes him a flexible asset for the Maple Leafs. As he continues to develop his offensive sport and refine his defensive instincts, Danford might evolve right into a top-four defenseman on the NHL degree.
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Lately, Danford gave the Maple Leafs a little bit of a scare throughout a follow session. After an ungainly hit from ahead Marshall Finnie, he left the ice and missed the Prospects Showcase towards the Montreal Canadiens. Luckily, Danford was capable of skate off underneath his energy on the time, however he was evaluated for a possible upper-body damage.
“He’s being evaluated proper now. Hopefully, he’ll be OK,” mentioned Maple Leafs prospects head coach John Gruden.
Whereas this damage is a priority, it doesn’t seem severe. Given Danford’s resilience and work ethic, the Maple Leafs are hopeful he’ll get well shortly and proceed his improvement with out vital setbacks.
The Backside Line for Danford
Doubtlessly, Danford affords the Maple Leafs a promising mix of defensive reliability, rising offensive ability, and playoff composure. As he continues to develop within the OHL, followers and group administration alike can anticipate Danford to emerge as a important piece of Toronto’s future blue line. His latest damage scare, whereas regarding, doesn’t overshadow the intense future forward for this proficient prospect.
