Ben Danford Disrespected in World Juniors Projections, Maple Leafs Fans Can't Believe It
Photo credit: TSN
Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford had a solid World Junior Summer Showcase however The Athletic's lineup shows him not starting as fans are stunned he was ignored.
The World Juniors are set to take place this winter as is tradition, and the Canadian side is going to be looked at as a team who is trying to get their footing back under them after decades of dominance that has seen teams like the US and Sweden supplant them.
Their roster is filled with stars though including 2025 1st overall pick Matthew Schaefer, presumed top-10 pick Sam Dickinson, and future #1 overall pick Gavin McKenna.
Danford Left Off Insider's Projected Lineup
But one invite this summer was reserved for Toronto's Ben Danford, who while not having a great a showing as Victor Johansson, still ended up putting in a solid tournament nonetheless.
However, as good as he may have been, according to an article from The Athletic, the Leafs prospect doesn't make the lineup cut.
Danford did make the extras list, however per the article wasn't the exact piece Team Canada needed:
On the blue line, Canada appears locked in on the first two pairings, and Kashawn Aitcheson looks like the No. 5.
We went with top 2026 D prospect Keaton Verhoeff (who they played a lot at U18s) and the competitive, shot-blocking, penalty-killing Ben Danford for the last righty spots, and the well-rounded Cameron Reid for the fourth lefty job. Blue Jackets prospect Charlie Elick seems to be in a battle with Danford, though.
We went with top 2026 D prospect Keaton Verhoeff (who they played a lot at U18s) and the competitive, shot-blocking, penalty-killing Ben Danford for the last righty spots, and the well-rounded Cameron Reid for the fourth lefty job. Blue Jackets prospect Charlie Elick seems to be in a battle with Danford, though.
Leafs Fans Rally Behind Their Emerging Prospect
That news did not sit well with Leafs fans, who were incensed that Danford wouldn't at least merit a third-pairing spot.
While no, Danford isn't someone like a Schaefer or Dickinson, but he has a place in the lineup based off his tenacity, aggressiveness and strong defensive play.
He's as solid as they come, and makes smart plays, stays calm, and loves to put his body on the line whether it's hitting or blocking shots. You always need penalty killers, and Danford is great at shutting down opponents even when down a man.
Danford also has been working with some of the game's best defensive minds over the summer, and can definitely use what he learned to give Canada a chance at gold.
Putting in another solid season, Danford had 25 points in 61 games (5 goals, 20 assists) and made his second straight OHL Championship Final but lost to Easton Cowan yet again.
So Leafs fans have all the reason in the world to rally behind Danford, given he is expected to be a big part of their defense and could settle in as a reliable shutdown option for years to come.
But there's always a chance he still makes it after all.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 5 | 1447 ANSWERS Ben Danford Disrespected in World Juniors Projections, Maple Leafs Fans Can't Believe It Do you think Ben Danford was disrespected being left off the starting roster for Team Canada? | ||
| Yes | 887 | 61.3 % |
| No | 560 | 38.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
