Maple Leafs Prospect Handed Automatic Suspension for His Involvement in a Line Brawl

There was a lot of speculation ahead of the NHL's trade deadline that the Leafs could trade at least one top prospect. Thankfully, when all was said and done, they were able to retain 2024 1st round pick and top defensive prospect Ben Danford.

The Ontario Hockey League announced earlier this week that top prospects Danford and Porter Martone had been suspended for 2 games in their role in a partial line-brawl.

Danford's Oshawa Generals defeated Martone's Brampton Steelheads by a score of 4-0. With the game all but sealed up, the actions in question took place with 7:30 remaining in the third period.

The Steelheads looked to make an outlet pass but it missed the mark and an icing was on the way. However, just as the icing was being called by the officials, Martone slashed Luca Marrelli almost out of nowhere.

The unnecessary slash drew the ire of both teams and a scrum ensued at the far end-boards. Through it all, 4 fights ensued, including one between Danford and Martone - both of whom are captains of their respective teams - with the former landing several heavy haymakers.

They were handed an automatic 2-game suspension because of their game misconducts and being the second fight in the same stoppage.

Danford and Martone had a run-in with one another earlier this season as well when the Leafs prospect stood up the upcoming top-5 prospect late last month. Danford had to answer for his actions with a fight against Minnesota Wild tough-guy prospect Stevie Leskovar.

After recording 33 points in 64 games last year for the Generals, Danford hasn't taken that next step this year with just 23 points in 56 games. Nevertheless, he remains one of the Maple Leafs' top prospects despite a middling draft +1 season.