Toronto Maple Leafs select Ben Danford No. 31 overall in 2024 NHL Draft

The Toronto Maple Leafs have taken one of the better defensive defensemen in this year’s draft, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a bit of offensive skill, making strong first passes and always making the smart play. But don’t get it twisted: he’s a defensive stalwart and a coach’s dream. 

One OHL coach told me he was one of the smartest players in this year’s draft, a high IQ defender who can take the puck off nearly any forward, block any shot and strong positioning in any space on the rink. 

“He’s mean, he isn’t afraid to hand out some lumber on (an opponent) in front of his net,” the scout told me.
“Whoever takes this guy is getting someone who will be a 22-minute-a-night guy in a few years.”

One thing that’s underrated about Danford’s game is what he brings offensively. Some may see his Hockey DB page and only see one goal in the 2023-24 season, but he made up for it during the Oshawa Generals’ run to the OHL Finals, scoring four goals and six assists for 10 points in 21 games. 

Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis said the right-handed defenseman might have something going on the left side as “it fits his shot better.”

“(H)e’s a guy his teammates like to rely on because he’s rarely caught making a mistake distributing the puck,” Ellis said.

Fans of the Maple Leafs should watch his development closely, because they have a gem on their hands. Another season in the OHL and some time to develop in the minors, and before you know it, the well-rounded defender will be in Toronto starting lineup sooner than later.