Danford, a defenseman, was selected 31st by the Maple Leafs in the 2024 NHL Draft. Danford had a goal and 33 points in 64 games in the Ontario Hockey League with the Oshawa Generals. Danford had 4 goals and 10 points in 21 OHL playoff games with Oshawa.
A favorite of then-head scout Wes Clark, who has since joined the Pittsburgh Penguins as the team's Vice President of Player Personnel. Leafs GM Brad Treliving told Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman the scouting team felt comfortable trading down from 23rd for Danford.