Maple Leafs make huge announcement regarding 28th overall pick Ben Danford

The Maple Leafs have officially put pen to paper and signed the 2024 first-round to a standard 3-year entry-level contract.

The Leafs surprised many when they first traded from the 23rd selection in the first round down to the 31st selection and again when they selected Ben Danford with that pick.

The 6-foot-2, 192-pound, right-shot defenceman was drafted out of Oshawa in the Ontario Hockey League. A life-long Leafs fan, Danford has described himself as a player that is willing to do whatever it takes to win, similar to new Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev.

Not known for his offense, Danford had one goal and 32 assists with the Oshawa Generals last season, but added 10 points in 21 playoff games for the Generals. Unless he has an absolutely dominant training camp, expect the 18-year-old to return to the OHL for the upcoming season, which seems like the best logical path for him as he continues to develop.

Source: Hockey DB
Ben Danford Stats