Ben Danford didn't line up for the Marlies on Sunday and with no injuries reported and Chris Tanev out, it's certainly an interesting development for Toronto.
The Toronto Marlies faced off against the Hamilton Hammers on Sunday, however the lineup was missing quite the notable face as Ben Danford was not seen which doesn't look good at first glance.
Though with no injury issues that we are aware of, perhaps it was just a matter of giving the rookie a game off as he continues to navigate his first professional season after making the jump from the OHL this season.
But there could be a more interesting side to Danford's absence and it comes at a time where the Maple Leafs are trying figure out what to do with one of their key player - more specifically Chris Tanev.
Danford's absence could be leading to bigger things for the defenseman
Tanev was injured in Toronto's game on Saturday against the Avalanche, and while it seemed like an innocuous injury at first glance, the Maple Leafs can't take anything for granted when it comes to Tanev's health, and though we can't fear the worst, it doesn't look too positive.
If Tanev were to miss time that would seriously put the Maple Leafs at a disadvantage, and with questions about Oliver Ekman-Larsson's health and production, he too might need some assistance, which is where Danford comes in.
Danford could step in as a replacement for Tanev and slide to the third pair as part of the seven-defender unit that the Maple Leafs employed against Colorado, and he could help at least give Toronto some insurance.
Yes he's a rookie and yes he's likely going to play limited minutes, but he's essentially the 'Tanev of the future' so why not give him an early look?
Toronto should only give Danford a short leash though
But if theta does indeed call him up and give him his first taste of NHL action, they need to be extremely cautious. Danford is only a handful of games into his first professional season, and only has experience in the postseason - a different beat altogether.
Throwing him directly into the fire isn't going to necessarily help him thrive (though it could). It would be better if he had extremely sheltered minutes where he plays against weaker competition and uses his speed and aggressiveness in small doses.
Toronto already has a slew of right-handed shots with Troy Stecher and now Nick Blankenburg in the mix, so Danford would either need to play on his off side, or split time with the two other defenders who play on their off side - either way it's going to facilitate a shuffle.
They also can't let him get away with too much. Mistakes will happen but if there are egregious errors that lead to goals, then he needs to be yanked. It's not personal, he's just not ready yet.
Is Danford heading for the NHL? It's impossible to say. But with Toronto potentially in panic mode and not wanting to spend all their assets right away, calling up Danford may be a good option albeit not the perfect one.
Do you think the Maple Leafs are going to call-up Ben Danford from the Toronto Marlies?
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Former Leaf involved in Marchenko trade stuns hockey world with a hat trick