Are the Maple Leafs finally developing a homegrown defenseman?

"The Toronto Maple Leafs wasted no time in getting their two top prospects some action to start the preseason. Easton Cowan and Ben Danford, along with other prospects, some bottom-of-the-roster veterans, and a few Toronto Marlies, hoping to impress Leafs management, made the trip to Ottawa to take on the Senators in the preseason opener for both teams."

"Cowan's play, with two previous preseasons under his belt, and his junior eligibility expired, will be closely monitored as he looks to impress and land a full-time job with the Leafs. Danford, injured early in last year's training camp, is quietly making an impression with his play over the last couple of seasons."

"Since being drafted 31st overall by the Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Danford has put together an impressive development trajectory and is starting to turn heads. The 19-year-old defenseman stood out in the Leafs' first preseason game, earning notable praise from coach Craig Berube. For a franchise long criticized for its inability to draft and develop homegrown defensemen, Danford's progress is offering a rare, and much-needed, glimmer of hope. After the Maple Leafs opened their preseason with a 4-3 victory over the Senators, Berube offered his thoughts on Danford. "I thought Ben Danford played a good, solid hockey game. It is not a flashy game by any means, but it is just about the first pass, defending well, and playing a hard game. He was pretty much mistake-free. It was impressive," Berube said via Maple Leafs Hot Stove."

Toronto gave top prospects Easton Cowan and Ben Danford immediate preseason ice time, sending a mix of prospects, bottom-of-the-roster veterans and Toronto Marlies to Ottawa for the opener against the Senators. Cowan's play will be closely watched after two prior preseasons and expired junior eligibility as he pursues a full-time roster spot. Danford, 19 and the 31st overall pick in 2024, has shown steady development following an early training camp injury and impressed in the opener. Coach Craig Berube praised Danford as largely mistake-free, effective on the first pass, defensively sound and hard-playing, offering hope for homegrown defensive progress.

Read at Editor In Leaf