Maple Leafs select right-shot defenseman Ben Danford with the 31st overall pick
The Toronto Maple Leafs got their man at 31st overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, selecting right-shot defenseman Ben Danford.
Coming into this week, it was unclear as to whether or not the Maple Leafs would keep their pick or trade it to address other roster needs, such as on defense or in goal, or to replenish some draft capital. In the end, the Leafs nabbed the 31st overall pick and the 58th overall pick from the Anaheim Ducks, sending pick #23 to California.
After deciding to trade the pick to Anaheim, who selected Norwegian defenseman Stian Solberg at 23rd overall, the Leafs used the 31st on Danford, the Oshawa Generals standout, who produced 33 points in 64 games in the OHL last season.
The prospect pool in Toronto is relatively thin, as former GM Kyle Dubas had dealt a lot of draft picks and prospects during the course of his time at the helm for the Leafs. It would appear as though Brad Treliving's Leafs will operate under a different set of principles, trading down to remain in the 1st round but also pick up a 2nd round pick in hopes of re-stocking the cupboards in Toronto.
Last year, the Leafs selected Easton Cowan 28th overall, at the tail end of the 1st round of the draft, so there is value available in the later stages of the first round. Now, with Danford in the fold, the Leafs have bolstered their prospect pool in an area of tremendous need with yet another quality pick remaining in the middle of the 2nd round on Saturday.
The Madoc, Ontario native confirmed following the pick that he grew up as a die-hard Maple Leafs fan.
Source for stats: HockeyDB
Ben Danford stats and bio
| POLL | ||
JUIN 28 | 452 ANSWERS Maple Leafs select right-shot defenseman Ben Danford with the 31st overall pick Are you happy with the Leafs selecting (player here) with the 31st overall pick? | ||
| Yes, he's a solid prospect | 221 | 48.9 % |
| No, should have drafted a (position here) | 48 | 10.6 % |
| Not sure yet. Prospects are hard to evaluate | 183 | 40.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
