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Young Defenseman Ben Danford Ready for Maple Leafs Stint
11 Jun
Summary
- Ben Danford aims to make the Maple Leafs' opening night roster next season.
- The Maple Leafs' defense corps is notably aging, creating opportunities.
- Danford is a low-cost, high-reward asset drafted 31st overall in 2024.
As the Toronto Maple Leafs' defense corps ages, promising young defenseman Ben Danford has set his sights on securing a spot on the NHL roster for the 2026-27 season. Danford, currently playing for the Toronto Marlies in the Calder Cup final, expressed his goal to make the opening night lineup.
The Maple Leafs' defensive unit features several veteran players who are 29 or older, highlighting a need for younger talent. Danford, a defensive defenseman drafted 31st overall in 2024, is considered a valuable, low-cost asset rather than trade bait.
His development is being fostered by a deep playoff run with the Marlies, offering him crucial championship experience. If Danford succeeds in transitioning to the NHL, it could significantly improve the Maple Leafs' defensive zone play and add vital energy to their back end.
