Maple Leafs Sign 2024 First-Round NHL Draft Pick Ben Danford to Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract, What's Next?
The Leafs selected the 18-year-old defenseman with the 31st overall pick.
Ben Danford has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The first-round pick (31st overall) in 2024 put pen to paper on the deal on Friday.
The 18-year-old defensive defenseman grew up a Maple Leafs fan, citing Phil Kessel as one of the players he enjoyed watching. It was just a matter of when and not if the Madoc, Ontario native would come to terms with the entry-level deal with Toronto.
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Danford had a goal and 32 assists in 64 games with the Oshawa Generals during the 2023-24 season while adding 10 points in 21 playoff games, helping the team reach the Championship Series of the 2024 OHL Playoffs. At 6-foot-2, Danford projects to become a shutdown defender who is looking to improve his offensive game.
Danford was one of several attendees at Leafs development camp in July. He spent considerable time working with Jake Muzzin, who served as one of the instructors. Danford said he was looking to model his game after the former Stanley Cup-winning defender.
What happens now with Danford?
It's essentially a given that Danford will likely spend next season with the Generals again. But before that, he is expected to take part in training camp. He'll likely also be in the lineup for a pair of games against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre in September as part of the rookie showcase. The Leafs had previously gone to Traverse City, Michigan as part of the Detroit Red Wings' annual rookie tournament.
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