Everyone keeps putting Ben Danford in trade packages and he has other plans entirely

Everyone is looking to trade Ben Danford to boost the lineup now, but the prospect has bigger intentions in mind and looks to make the Maple Leafs sooner than later.

Danford was someone who didn't get as much attention as Easton Cowan but that shouldn't overshadow his talent. A trusted, shutdown defender who loves to play hard and sacrifice his own body for his team, Danford is going to be a key factor in the Maple Leafs lineup for years to come, and if he had it his way? He'd be making the leap next year.

Danford is in the midst of the Calder Cup Final appearance with the Toronto Marlies and has helped to boost their blueline after joining them when his OHL season ended.

He's not an offensive-minded player though has shown flashes of some solid handiwork, but his best strength is sitting like a stone wall in front of opponents.

That's someone who Toronto could absolutely use not only now, but in the future especially with the unknown nature of Chris Tanev's health going forward. Danford would be seen as a replacement for him in the future, though he may be a couple years from being a full-time player.

Ben Danford has his sights set on making the team next year and is giving himself the summer to prove it

Though if you were to ask Danford himself, he's not waiting around that long.

Danford was a guest on TSN's First Up and explained that his goal is still and always has been to make the NHL, and getting a taste of pro hockey before training camp is a huge leg up as to what to expect. Not only that, but he wants to make that leap a lot sooner than we anticipated:

I mean, I think this stint with the Marlies, finish off the year will be really good. Get a sniff of pro hockey before I start, and then come with it having a big summer.

I feel like going into camp next year I wanna put myself in the best spot I can and make the Leafs. I don't expect anything but put your best foot forward.

My goal is to make the opening night roster next year, we'll see what happens, who knows, but that's my end goal.

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Danford's utmost confidence in his ability is not only a great sign for the future, but it shows that there's a new mentality in town. Combine that with Easton Cowan's accountability and maturity, coupled with Gavin McKenna's hype and confidence in his own ability and suddenly there's a three-headed youth core to build around.

Danford's name has been in every Maple Leafs blockbuster trade proposal and that's exactly why his answer matters

Danford, 20, has recorded only two points in 11 games but in a plus-5 with 19 shots while also playing fantastic defence and showing awareness beyond his years:

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It's why everyone has been putting him forth in rumours (ourselves included). He's not a flashy player but neither is Tanev and he is one of the most respected and beloved players for his heart, tenacity and immense levels of personal sacrifice.

Teams rarely find a player like that, especially one with the confidence of Danford and many believe that others would jump on the chance to add him and it could help the Maple Leafs add a 2C or even a puck-moving defender.

But there are other avenues to go down that don't involve trading Danford that still offer the Maple Leafs those fixes. Yeah, it may cost a bit of money in free agency but at the same time - you don't lose a potential elite shutdown defenceman.

But his statement declaring that next year is the deadline to make the team, you can bet your bottom dollar that he's going to work hard to do so. Instead of trading that away, let's just see how good Danford can be.

Clearly, he knows it and now it's time for him to show us.

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