How Leafs prospect Ben Danford could become Canada's World Juniors X-Factor

Ben Danford could be a major part of Canada's success at the 2026 World Juniors as the Canadians look for a success after recent upsets.

Canada is looking to rebound following two consecutive quarterfinal exits at the World Juniors, having been bounced in back-to-back years to Czechia.

This year could be different for Canada, loaded with a deeper roster in recent years, returning to a skilled roster after focusing on physicality and grit the past few years, the Canadians are banking on talent to win.

But where Canada is expected to look more flashy and offensively driven, on the back end, Leafs prospect Ben Danford could be the necessary defensive rock that Canada needs to win gold.

Ben Danford could be a key asset for the Canadians at the World Juniors, and even their most valuable option on defense.

Canada has an all new blueline for the World Juniors, and as one of the older players, Danford could be one of the defensemen naturally poised to take on a leadership role on the blueline.

Along with Zayne Parekh, Danford will be one of the key names for a young Canadian blueline that includes two draft eligible in Keaton Verhoeff and Carson Carels.

Danford can be a playmaking threat in transition and could be a penalty killing option, while being the Canadians top defensive defenseman.

How Ben Danford and Canada can return to golden glory

Ben Danford will be among the players who will be key to shutting down opposing defenders, and with a more offensively talented roster, a shutdown defensive group is much more essential.

The Americans don't have their most offensively loaded groups, but much of their offense will likely center around Bruins prospect James Hagens, a player that will be key to shutting down chances.

Czechia, who have knocked Canada out of medal contention in the last two tournaments, have a deep group with multiple first rounders in Vaclav Nestrasil (CHI) and Adam Jiricek (STL), and a potential first rounder for 2026 in Adam Novotny.

Also in Canada's group alongside Czechia are Germany, Denmark, & Finland, the latter two being teams without high-end offensive weapons, although the Germans have a few forwards of note, and Finland being without their potential top forward in Konsta Helenius, those are teams where outscoring the opponent will take more priority.

While the group stage presents what should be more of a showcase for offense vs defense, it will be the playoff rounds where Canada will need their defenders to step up against teams such as the United States and Sweden.

The deeper Canada goes, the more it matters to have shutdown defensive options, and the more a player like Ben Danford most capable of doing so become a necessity to be at his best.