Maple Leafs Officially Cut Top Defensive Prospect from Training Camp
After missing significant time with a concussion, the Toronto Maple Leafs have officially cut top defensive prospect Ben Danford from training camp.
The 31st overall pick from this past draft was injured during practice ahead of the Rookie Showcase on a hit from camp invitee Marshall Finnie. Danford was diagnosed with a concussion and had not taken part in any of Leafs' training camp as he continued to recover.
Danford began skating recently in a non-contact red jersey but, ahead of practice today, took to the ice in a regular white jersey indicating that he could be ready to take part in game action.
Unfortunately, Danford won't be seeing any pre-season action with the Maple Leafs as he was loaned to the Oshawa Generals of the OHL. It was expected that he would return to the OHL for another season, but the positive note behind this is that the Leafs' medical staff feel comfortable enough with his recovery to allow him to return to junior.
There had been hope that he would be ready for training camp, but as we know, with concussions, the symptoms can linger or take their time before they actually appear.
Hopefully Danford is able to get back into a full practice with the Generals sooner than later and continue to develop and even challenge for a spot on Team Canada's World Junior roster come December.
In two seasons in the OHL, Danford has skated in 127 games, registering 5 goals and 54 points. Known more for his defensive play, Danford exploded for 10 points in 21 playoff games last season and hopefully will continue to improve his offensive play without sacrificing much defensively.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 30 | 1497 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Officially Cut Top Defensive Prospect from Training Camp Do you think Danford would have been given a 9-game audition with the Leafs if he was healthy? | ||
| Yes | 435 | 29.1 % |
| No | 697 | 46.6 % |
| We'll never know | 365 | 24.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
