Maple Leafs Top Prospect Linked to Potential OHL Trade Before New Year
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford could be on the move this season, but not from Toronto, but instead from the Oshawa Generals and bringing him to Brantford.
There's a lot of excitement surrounding Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford. The 2024 first-round selection was a quietly solid pickup who could be one of the mainstays of the backend in the future, especially with Toronto's aging core.
Some talk this summer has revolved around trade rumors involving Danford heading somewhere so the Maple Leafs could end up bringing in that top-six force, however it seems that is much more on the side of speculation than reality.
What a Move Would Mean for His Development
But what could be a reality, according to one analyst is that Danford is headed elsewhere this season, but in the OHL instead.
Per Leafs Nation News on X (going off a rumored deal earlier in the month), it makes sense as to why Danford could be traded, and he would have some help transitioning:
It makes complete sense that an OHL trade for Danford goes down before the New Year. Oshawa experienced extreme turnover and won't contend - replenishing with Sennecke and Danford trades is a given.
Brantford should contend and has fellow TOR prospect McCue. Could be fun.
Brantford should contend and has fellow TOR prospect McCue. Could be fun.
With the Generals having fought for back to back championships over the past two seasons, it seems a bit rushed to trade away their best pieces, but in losing so many impact players, and up against a tough Eastern Conference; they may decide to rebuild.
How This Could Impact the Leafs' Prospect Pipeline
Well, if Danford were to head to the Bulldogs he would join forward Sam McCue, who is quietly becoming one of the more interesting prospects the Leafs have in their system.
If the two are able to create some chemistry together, it should make things easier once they transition to the team full-time should they both earn a roster spot.
It's always a positive when you have multiple prospects working together on the same team, as it helps their future prospects (no pun intended) and creates a stronger bond that could be fruitful down the line.
We have seen the team utilize this already with having Easton Cowan drafted and then subsequently signing his London Knights teammate Landon Sim and hope to capitalize on their success together.
It's a way of giving your prospects a chance to not only progress on the ice, but create a stronger bond with teammates they may spend the next several years next to which can only mean good things in the future.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 31 | 1041 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Top Prospect Linked to Potential OHL Trade Before New Year Do you think Ben Danford will be traded from Oshawa? | ||
| Yes | 649 | 62.3 % |
| No | 392 | 37.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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