Ben Danford's OHL 'Best Defensive Defenseman' win reportedly fast-tracks his arrival to the 2027 Leafs roster
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
OHL coaches just voted Ben Danford the best defensive defenceman in the Eastern Conference and second best penalty killer. For a Toronto team who could be without Chris Tanev and move on from Oliver Ekman-Larsson, that timing could not be better.
Ben Danford, the Leafs 2024 first rounder, was named as the best defensive defenseman in the OHL's Eastern Conference, as voted on by a poll of OHL coaches.
As well, Danford was voted by coaches as the second best penalty killer in the Eastern Conference behind Utah Mammoth first rounder Cole Beaudoin.
Danford was selected 31st overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Danford has split time this season between Oshawa and Brantford.
The 20-year-old has been one of the top defensive prospects outside of pro hockey, but hasn't lit up the scoresheet with three goals, 17 assists, & 20 points this season.
OHL bench bosses identify Ben Danford as the most punishing defensive anchor in the Eastern Conference
Ben Danford is one of the leading defensive defensemen in the Ontario Hockey League, and that maturity makes him a very strong bet to translate well to pro hockey.
Danford's lack of offense is the only question mark in his game. Danford will need a bit more activeness in the opposite end to flesh out his game, or he could still slot as a one-way defenseman.
Even with the lack of offense, Danford has the potential to carve out a shutdown role similar to Chris Tanev, another defenseman who doesn't bring much on offense, but a lot on defence.
As a reliable defender with a strong physical presence, Danford could be ready to take on big AHL minutes for next season.
Danford is likely to begin next season in the AHL, although a surprise jump to the Leafs roster as happened with Easton Cowan last season isn't entirely out of the question, but Danford may be more suited for a year or two in the minors to develop his game further.
The mandatory rise of a "Chris Tanev type" stopper provides a firm outlook for the Leafs' 2027 blueprint
Ben Danford's NHL projection may have him wait for 2027-28 to emerge as a member of the Leafs lineup full-time, but it provides Toronto the chance to add some additional veteran support in the meantime for next season.
The Leafs have clear defensive concerns in their roster, with the most pressing matter on the right-handed side being the future of Chris Tanev, and if he'll play next season due to his groin injury that has required surgery.
The future of Oliver Ekman-Larsson appears still undecided, unclear if Toronto will re-engage on trade offers as they did during the trade deadline.
Free agency could be a major boost for the Leafs at RHD with Rasmus Andersson and Darren Raddysh as options that could replace OEL in the top-four.
Toronto can take the time next season to rebuild their roster, but in a way that would allow for Danford to potentially transition to the Leafs lineup the season after.
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Previously on Hockey Patrol
| POLL | ||
MARS 18|726 ANSWERS Ben Danford's OHL 'Best Defensive Defenseman' win reportedly fast-tracks his arrival to the 2027 Leafs roster Will Ben Danford be in the NHL by the 2027-28 season? | ||
| Yes | 585 | 80.6 % |
| No | 141 | 19.4 % |
| List of polls | ||