Top Maple Leafs Prospect Ben Danford Reveals Key to Breakout Season
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Ben Danford had another fantastic season for the Oshawa Generals, and spoke to TSN's Mark Masters and revealed the key to what helped him breakout this year.
Although his 2024-25 season ended with a Championship loss to fellow prospect Easton Cowan's London Knights, Oshawa Generals captain Ben Danford should still hold his head up high after a fantastic season.
Helping lead the General to a second-straight OHL Championship Final, it was certainly a bummer for Danford. But with a potential chance to make the Maple Leafs next season, and turn Cowan from a frenemy to a teammate is a distinct possibility.
Danford recently sat down with TSN's Mark Masters to discuss the season as a whole, and touched on a variety of topics including his time playing against Cowan, his newfound physicality, and how he can make an even bigger statement next season.
Ben Danford Explains Key Reason Behind Sudden Growth
But it was in those myriad of topics where Danford mentioned that some much needed advice from former Maple Leafs defenseman and current Player Development coach Jake Muzzin was a big catalyst for his improvement:
He's great, we talk quite a bit. Hockey talk, for a guy to feed off of, he's a guy who's really easy to go to. If there's any clips or anything I want him to go over, he's not shy about showing video and trying to get me more balanced and consistent.
He's been really fun to work with.
He's been really fun to work with.
While Muzzin is finished playing due to some unfortunate injuries, he's still a big part of helping the Maple Leafs back end, and if there's anyone you want; it's him.
Muzzin is a Stanley Cup Champion, a veteran of 12 seasons, and was a nightmare to play against both on offense and defense.
Using all 6'3, 227 pounds of pain, Muzzin laid in crushing hits, was reckless in putting his body on the line, and could give you 25-30 points every year consistently.
Ben Danford's Consistency Is His Make Or Break Trait
Danford learning how to navigate the NHL waters through Muzzin is a huge benefit, and the fact the young prospect is so eager to ask questions and better himself is a testament to his dedication to the craft.
While it wasn't the be all reason that Danford broke out this season, having someone like Muzzin to talk to and break down inconsistencies and figure out little ways to improve is what makes a good player into a great one.
He admitted that he needed to work on consistency in his conversation with Masters, and was very blunt in his assessment:
One improvement is definitely being more consistent, staying true to my game, and just working to improve at all times.
If he can figure out a way to not only lay in some big hits and contribute offensively, but do so in a way where he becomes dependable and reliable, then Toronto's future defense is in good hands.
Which is a huge positive going forward too, given how old their back end really is.
So while Danford doesn't get to fight for a Memorial Cup, and the sting of losing a second straight Finals has to hurt.
But he seems fully focused on being a big-time impact player for the Maple Leafs in the coming years, and if this season was any indicator, he's right on track.
Danford played in 61 games, registering 25 points (5G, 20A), 68 PIM and a plus-5 rating in his first season as captain for the Oshawa Generals.
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| Back To Junior | 40 | 9.9 % |
| Plays Overseas | 2 | 0.5 % |
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