"This isn't to say that Ben Danford is going to become a surefire top pairing two-way blueliner for the Leafs, but his progress since being drafted indicates that he absolutely has the tools to become an NHL defenceman, and if he keeps trending the way he has been, he could be on track to making his debut as a Leaf sooner rather than later."
"While Danford's offensive totals took a hit in 2024-25, going from 33 points in 64 games in his draft year to 25 points in 61 games the year after, the trade to Brantford has proven to be a great thing for him. Since then, he's scored a goal and added 12 assists for 13 points in 20 games for the Bulldogs, bringing him up to 17 points in 28 games this season."
Ben Danford is a 6-foot-2, 200-pound right-handed defenceman selected 31st overall in the 2024 NHL Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Danford played for the Oshawa Generals, served a year as captain, and was traded eight games into 2025-26 to the league-leading Brantford Bulldogs. Offensive totals dipped from 33 points in 64 games to 25 in 61, but he has 13 points in 20 games with Brantford and 17 points in 28 this season. Danford represented Canada at the 2026 World Juniors, recording an assist in six games and winning bronze. Progress suggests NHL potential and a possible early debut.
Read at TheLeafsNation
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