The one Maple Leafs prospect poised to dig his way into Toronto's training camp

There are several Maple Leafs prospects who could break out this upcoming camp but the one who may surprise everyone is Ben Danford.

Danford's one of Toronto top prospects so his inclusion at camp and as part of the future of the team isn't really surprising. No, that's not the part that's surprising but instead it's how quickly he matured while under immense pressure - something the Maple Leafs blueline could use going forward.

Ben Danford thrived when thrust into the spotlight in 2025-26

The 20-year-old defender had 20 points in 45 games in the OHL last season, recording four in eight games with the Oshawa Generals and added 16 in 37 games with the Brantford Bulldogs. He was brought into the Marlies but never played a regular season game for them as they fought for a playoff spot.

But once they got in? It was Danford's time to shine. He appeared in 16 playoff games for the Marlies, recording three points including his first professional goal:

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Also impressive was his ability to stay out of the penalty box (only 6 PIM) and he showcased his shutdown ability night after night, using keen hockey sense and sacrificing himself for the team:

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For a player who only two months prior was playing against people his age and is now expected to defend against former NHL players it was a tall task, but for Danford - he stepped up when it mattered most and it led him to lifting the Calder Cup which was handed to him by close friend and teammate Easton Cowan:

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Danford proved that he can thrive when the spotlight is on him. Being able to come into pro hockey with no experience and be asked to shut down former NHL talent is a tall task, but Danford came through in a big way - and gave the Maple Leafs a taste of the future.

Ben Danford's training camp could show how close he is to making Toronto's aging blueline

With questions surrounding Chris Tanev's health, the team needs a shutdown defender who is young and mobile but also able to provide the same style of play.

Danford fits that criteria as he's obviously young, he plays a similar style to Tanev, and he would provide some much needed cap relief by replacing Tanev and his $4.5M cap hit.

Toronto's blueline right now has an average age of nearly 32 years old, so there's a need to get younger as the years go on. They added Emil Andrae who is only 24 but he's one piece in a lineup full of players in their mid-to-late 30s.

Danford would help give the team a little more energy on the backend without sacrificing the defensive side of things. If he can come into camp and prove that he can be a reliable shutdown option while providing good puck movement, mobility, and energy then he could very well earn himself one of the first call-ups this upcoming season.

A strong camp and a strong AHL season would set Danford up for success. His talent isn't surprising nor are his results. But it's how quickly he managed to adapt to the professional game and look more like a veteran than a rookie at only 20 years old.

If he can do that this training camp, the question goes from whether Danford fits in their future plans to just how quickly he can make his debut.

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