New Footage Reveals Why the Maple Leafs Are Reluctant to Trade Ben Danford

While the Maple Leafs development camp is over, it was a great chance for Craig Berube and the rest of the coaches to take a look at the next crop of potential stars, and with a lot of excitement surrounding some of those players, who knows who is the next fan favorite.

One player who got quite a bit of attention this summer so far is Ben Danford, as the Maple Leafs 2024 first-round pick was working diligently with some pretty important names in order to get himself best prepared mentally and physically for the gruelling task that is being an NHL player.

He's certainly got the talent and he has the heart of a lion, never giving up on the play and being a force defensively on the ice. But there's something else he's got that should make fans excited: The passion.

Some new footage with a mic'd up Danford shows that he's all gas, no brakes when it comes to making the team and is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team, but also show a side that should endear him to Leafs Nation.

The two and a half minute long video shows Danford participating in different drills, and showing a charming innocent that underlies his immense focus.

At one point, fellow defenseman Victor Johansson asked Danford why he switched things up, with the former Oshawa General explaining that he had to adjust on the fly given the circumstances:

It shows that even at a young age, Danford is able to read the play and make changes. He also showed a ton of gumption (to use an old term), and often volunteered to be first in drills, and not being afraid to work himself to the bone in order to get as much experience as possible.

We also get to see Danford barking orders from the bench, telling his teammates how to adjust with him off the ice; and with a smirking Jake Muzzin standing next to him.

It's a great sign that he's also learning on the fly, and for a team who has lacked a true defensive prospect since arguably Morgan Rielly; he's got a lot of excitement around him.

Danford, 19, was drafted 31st overall by the Maple Leafs in 2024, and has a lot of familiarity with fellow prospect Easton Cowan; the two facing off in back to back OHL Championship games.

In his 188 games with the Oshawa Generals, Danford registered 79 points (10 goals, 69 assists), 135 PIM, and a plus-28 rating.

He's not the most offensive player, but he makes up for it in physicality, defensive IQ and a relentless engine, and from the evidence above has a knack for leadership.

The future is bright for Ben Danford, as the defenseman clearly has a future as an NHL blueliner, and Maple Leafs fans need to keep an eye on the Belleville, Ontario native.

They're in for one heck of a surprise.