Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has announced that the team has signed Ben Danford to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Danford was chosen 31st overall in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft held in June.
The 18-year-old defenseman recorded one goal and 32 assists for 33 points in 64 games with the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) during the 2023-24 regular season. He also contributed four goals and six assists for 10 points in 24 playoff games for the Generals.
An OHL scout told Daily Faceoff’s Hunter Crowther, “He’s tough and not afraid to dish out hits in front of his net. Whoever drafts him is getting a player who will be logging 22 minutes a night in a few years.”
Another OHL coach described Danford to Daily Faceoff as one of the smartest players in this year’s draft, highlighting his high hockey IQ, ability to take the puck off opponents, block shots, and maintain strong positioning.
The #leafs have signed 2024 first-round pick Ben Danford to a three-year, entry-level contract.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) August 2, 2024
Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis noted, “It’s surprising that a defenseman with Danford’s offensive potential scored only one goal during the regular season with Oshawa. However, he’s a dependable player that teammates rely on for his solid puck distribution. Danford has played both sides of the blueline, but his shot seems to suit the left side better.”
Maple Leafs director of amateur scouting Wes Clark praised Danford’s defensive acumen, stating to Sportsnet’s Luke Fox, “He has elite intangibles, excellent defensive instincts, and checks all the boxes we were looking for. His potential is sky-high. Ben was our target all along, so we’re fortunate to have him.”
Standing 6’2″ and weighing 192 pounds, Danford has accumulated five goals and 49 assists for 54 points in 127 career regular season OHL games, along with four goals and seven assists for 11 points in 26 OHL playoff games.
