Ben Danford made one decision in his AHL debut that proves he is closer to the Maple Leafs than fans realize

He played his first professional game on Thursday and came away with a 5-2 win, helping the Marlies move one step closer to reaching the Calder Cup Finals and making sure he gives himself every opportunity to make the team next year.

While he wasn't perfect and nearly cost the team a goal, he washable to rebound and show off a bit more skill than maybe some realize he had.

Danford managed no points though was a plus-2 on the night, and while he was very calm under pressure, that levelheaded nature wasn't exactly on full display all night. After making a poor decision in anticipating the opponent's next move, Danford got caught way out of position and it led to a 2v1 on Artur Akhtyamov.

Luckily he didn't get burned by the decision, and with the playoffs there is a need to be a bit more aggressive but therein lies the rookie experience; he's just not familiar with the pro level yet.

Toronto had to do one thing for the debut of Danford though, as they handed their post-game championship belt to him in commemoration of his first professional game:

However one thing to note that will make Maple Leafs fans really excited is the fact that Danford's passing and outlet work was top notch and if he can add some playmaking or transition offence to a skillset that's already pretty elite defensively - Toronto may have a gem on their hands.

The Toronto Maple Leafs did themselves a solid by getting Ben Danford onto the Marlies as soon as possible. Only a day after he hoped to make the next step forward, Toronto announced he had been promoted to their AHL team ahead of the North Division Finals vs. Cleveland. It's almost prophetic.

Danford was selected 31st overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2024 Draft after a solid junior career with the Oshawa Generals. He has since picked it up and was so coveted that Brantford spent an enormous amount of draft capital to just bring him aboard.

In 37 games, Danford managed 16 points, a plus-12, and only eight PIM for Brantford this season though was shockingly eliminated from the CHL Playoffs by the Barrie Colts.

You can absolutely credit Danford for a strong first game, but it's still his first. There is a ton of growth to be had and with his ability to make smart choices under pressure already looks like a great sign.

But he also has to learn when to pick his spots, and he can't really be as effective a defender if he constantly needs to keep turning back to catch up. We can't have another Morgan Rielly situation in Toronto where a defender wants to get creative, is immediately shut down, and now it's an odd-man rush.

As a player who clearly has the wherewithal to take what he's learned and apply it, Danford is only going to get better. With names like Mark Giordano also part of the staff, he's learning from one of the best in the modern era and if he's willing to be coached then it's smooth sailing.

The next game against Cleveland is going to be the real test though. He already got the debut nerves out, and now it's all business.

Ben Danford believes a strong work ethic and a deep defensive skillset will earn him a shot with the Maple Leafs, but if he keeps on impressing at the AHL level - he'll find that a reality much sooner than anticipated.

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