The Toronto Maple Leafs were quick to act on getting a contract in place for their 2024 first-round pick Ben Danford. The Maple Leafs traded down from their 23rd overall pick to take two picks (31st and 58th overall) from the Anaheim Ducks. With the 31st overall pick, the Leafs used it to select Danford.
Danford’s contract details
Danford’s signed a three-year entry-level contract (ELC) that carries a cap hit of $964K in each of the three years. With different combinations of base salaries and signing bonuses each year, Danford will be set to earn between $957K in his first year to $975K in his final year. His minors salary will be set at $85K.
Per PuckPedia.com, these are the full details:
| 2024–25 | 2025–26 | 2026–27 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cap Hit | $964K | $964K | $964K |
| AAV | $964K | $964K | $964K |
| Base | $862K | $864K | $877.5K |
| Signing Bonuses | $95K | $96K | $97.5K |
| Total Salary | $957K | $960K | $975K |
| Minors Salary | $85K | $85K | $85K |
The Leafs clearly hold Danford in high regard as they’re giving him an ELC already, and he does have the potential to take on a top-four defence role for the Leafs in a few years’ time. Having his ELC signed means his development will accelerate, pushing his timeline to start in the AHL for 2024–25.
This will give him plenty of reps and if all goes well, he can earn more minutes against tougher competition compared to if he stayed in the OHL with the Oshawa Generals. Tested against bigger and better players, Danford can evolve his defensive game and take it to the next level sooner rather than later.
