Ben Danford is proving to be the high stakes playoff performer the Maple Leafs have been missing
Ben Danford proved that he cannot only shutdown opponents but score on them too as his latest heroics provide a lot of optimism for the Maple Leafs going forward.
There's a lot to love about Ben Danford but a lot of it has to do with his shutdown ability and tenacity that has allowed him to become one of the best defensive d-men in the entire OHL.
He's got an edge to him that Toronto desperately needs, and if he can get his discipline under control; he may be a problem for opponents.
But he is also doing it on the scoresheet, and for a guy who isn't known for scoring — he certainly had one of his biggest goals of his career.
The double overtime heroics from Ben Danford and why he is the most clutch prospect in the system
Facing double OT against the North Bay Battalion, Danford played the hero and managed to score the game-winning goal to send the Bulldogs to a 3-0 series lead:
Danford wired a wrist shot at the point and through a flood of bodies in front, managed to find the back of the net and showed a side of the defenceman we haven't necessarily seen before.
For him to have the confidence in himself and his shooting ability shows a lot of maturity and growth, and if he can add a bigger offensive game to his repertoire then he may become a much more consistent two-way force.
It's not like he can't score though, as he has 83 points in 233 games and started off the 2025-26 season with four points in eight games. He has the skill but his focus has always been on shutting down the opposition.
Why the grit and composure of Ben Danford is the perfect answer to the Maple Leafs' playoff struggles
Toronto has often had players who felt like taking that shot from the point is too risky and they would rather find the pass. That type of hesitancy and safety has cost the team time and time again, and adding a young player with the guts to fire it on net is exactly the edge they need.
For him to come in and have two points in five games this postseason; while also only having 5 PIM, it shows that he's not getting flustered under pressure. If he's able to stay on the ice more and more, he's going to get these offensive chances and continue to prove he can be a two-way player.
Plus, when it comes to the playoffs you can't really play it safe. It's a different beast altogether and when you have guys doing everything possible to win games, adding that grit and gutsiness is a great way to balance things out.
Danford does need to get his temper and discipline under control still and he can't be getting himself in a position to be suspended again.
But if he manages to pull it all together and bring Brantford the success they've been destined for this season then it's going to be incredible for the Maple Leafs going forward — they may have finally gotten their man.
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The Leafs’ top hockey ops candidate turned 4th and 5th round picks into Stanley Cup champions
The Leafs’ top hockey ops candidate turned 4th and 5th round picks into Stanley Cup champions
Previously on Hockey Patrol