Coming in at number three on our list of top Leafs prospects is recent first round pick Ben Danford. A right-handed defenceman in the OHL, Danford was a defensive presence on a strong Oshawa Generals team that went to the OHL final. There is reason to think that Danford’s offensive game has room to grow, as he has some tools to develop into a two way defenceman who contributes to team offence and stars in team defence.
Let’s take a closer look at Danford and what he brings to the Leafs system.
Strengths/weaknesses
Danford projects to be a reliable defender in all phases of the game. This begins with enough skating ability to keep up in defensive transition, as well as navigating forecheckers with the puck. Alongside enough strength and defensive will to shut down plays in the defensive zone, Danford has the skating and athleticism to grow into an NHLer. Danford is 6’1″, and plays a heavy game, willing to be physical.
Danford embraced a defensive role, getting important penalty kill minutes. Reliable, steady, in position, controlling gaps, and blocking shots, Danford has upside as an all-purpose defender. In some sense, Danford might seem a safe floor for the Leafs to bet on, at a premium position no less.
There is upside beyond this, as Danford does seem to have some offensive quality, particularly in terms of his vision and decision-making. Danford might never be a power play option at the NHL level, but he has a good skill level to build on. Danford can develop useful offensive confidence, but perhaps most importantly as a breakout passer. Danford does have enough skating ability to carry the puck or activate on the rush, but he will be best served by taking advantage of the defensive zone turnovers that his defensive abilities help create.
Production
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Oshawa Generals | OHL | 63 | 4 | 17 | 21 |
| 2023-24 | Oshawa Generals | OHL | 64 | 1 | 32 | 33 |
Danford’s offensive production is not indicative of much prowess, and Danford himself acknowledges that this is an area he will strive to progress. Clearly, the Leafs agree as well, and Danford might be able to make a large leap in production this coming season. Danford showed as much, adding four goals and 10 points across 21 OHL playoff games against top competition.
As far as high-scoring defence prospects go, a point per game in his first post-draft eligible season in the OHL is notable but not extraordinary. Approaching this mark would be a really positive sign for Danford’s potential offensive ceiling. Increasing his points per game from about 0.5 to about 0.75 would still be encouraging. Danford will not approach this mark as an NHLer, but with some offensive refinements, he might be able to help his team dominate possession.
Next steps
In truth, growing his resume as a player and building a professional body. He will need to gain defensive experience, and build on his defensive strengths to maximize his effectiveness. Especially in a defensive role like this, there is no hurry to get Danford into the NHL. Danford will almost assuredly finish out his junior career without any thought of the NHL. This will take two seasons.
There will be markers to watch for, even beyond counting on an increase in offensive production through his OHL career. A growing role on his OHL team will be expected, but there is a chance that Danford plays for Team Canada in some junior tournaments along the way. If Danford is able to make a team it will be a big testament to his overall ability, as there will be higher scoring options available.
In terms of upside, Danford would do quite well to recreate some of what Brock Faber did during his rookie season at age 21. This is extremely lofty, but would still account for a year of AHL seasoning after finishing his OHL career. A more measured, but still optimistic reading might see Danford pushing for a regular spot as a 22-year-old, in 2027-28.
Best case scenario is that if Danford progresses offensively and defensively, there might be enough to project him as high as a top four NHL defenceman. Logging significant ice time, controlling possession, and earning a leading role on the penalty kill, Danford could become an impactful piece on Leaf teams led by Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and potentially Mitch Marner, navigating their early 30s.
There is a good chance that Danford is at least pushing for a role as a depth option in that timeframe. There is no guarantee that any prospect makes the NHL, or at least there rarely are. Danford seems like a good bet to be in the mix eventually, though the Leafs perceived current needs on right defence should not sway his lengthy individual developmental timeline.
24-25 projection
Danford should aim for a top OHL role and increased production at that level next season.
There’s still plenty of room for him to develop, especially offensively, and becoming a top-end OHL defenceman in his D+1 year will be a very promising sign for the young blueliner.
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