Ben Danford Gets Major Opportunity to Impress the Maple Leafs Ahead of World Juniors
Photo credit: Steven Ellis - The Daily Faceoff
Toronto Maple Leafs defensive prospect Ben Danford has been invited to the World Junior Summer Showcase as he eyes a spot on Team Canada this season, and impress the Leafs as well.
The World Juniors are always the most exciting time for hockey, not only due to the fast paced action, but it's a fantastic look at the future of the sport, with some of the world's best young players vying for international glory.
Ben Danford gets to showcase his skills for Team Canada
For the Maple Leafs, they will have some representation potentially this winter, as prospect Ben Danford has been invited to the World Junior Summer Showcase to audition for Team Canada.
The Showcase takes place from July 27 to August 2nd, where players from Canada, USA, Sweden and Finland will get together and practice and scrimmage together.
According to scout and analyst Ryan Ma, Danford's shot at making the team is pretty solid given the team loves to employ some stay-at-home defenders every year.
Danford enjoyed a solid season with the Generals, registering 25 points (5 goals, 20 assists) and making it to the OHL Championships yet again, but losing to fellow prospect Easton Cowan; who went all the way to a Memorial Cup.
Defensive Logjam means Danford isn't ready...yet
He'll get to join the likes of Sam Dickinson, Henry Mews, Zayne Parekh and 2025 first overall pick Matthew Schaefer.
It's a great chance for Danford to dip his foot into the international hockey pool but also allow him to get even better ahead of the Maple Leafs' training camp.
While he is unlikely to make it right out of the gate, he has a great chance to star with the Marlies with Cowan and potentially earn a call-up due to injuries or if he's hot.
Danford has a lot of competition not only from fellow young defenders like William Villeneuve, Noah Chadwick and Cade Webber, but also guys like Henry Thrun and Dakota Mermis; two depth players with NHL experience.
But he's close, and if he can put in a good year with the Marlies, he'll earn a shot next season and depending on how the trade deadline goes; potentially earlier.
He's been working with some of the best minds in hockey, and if he can emulate their careers, Danford's going to have a lengthy one himself.
But the first stop is the World Junior Summer Showcase.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 27 | 1031 ANSWERS Ben Danford Gets Major Opportunity to Impress the Maple Leafs Ahead of World Juniors Will Ben Danford make the World Juniors? | ||
| Yes | 863 | 83.7 % |
| No | 168 | 16.3 % |
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