For the second consecutive year, the Toronto Maple Leafs went against consensus thinking with their first-round pick, selecting defenceman Ben Danford from the Oshawa Generals. Danford was considered by many as one of the best defenders in the OHL with ascending offensive qualities and he clearly was Wes Clark and Brad Treliving’s guy all along.
And for the second consecutive year, Toronto’s first-round pick has aced the first impression test. Easton Cowan could legitimately crack an NHL roster spot out of training camp this fall and Danford excelled during last week’s events at the Ford Performance Centre.
“He made some really nice plays and jumped in the rush,” Maple Leafs assistant general manager Hayley Wickenheiser said of Danford’s performance to TSN’s Mark Masters, following Sunday’s scrimmage. “Nice assist on the goal. His offensive upside might be better than what he’s shown statistically. You can see that and he moves really well. Watching him off the ice, a good athlete.”
Danford recorded one goal and 33 points in 64 regular season games with Oshawa, then added four goals and 10 points in 16 playoff contests. You could call it a coincidence perhaps but it’s clear that Clark and Treliving has prioritized players who show tremendous improvement and growth during their draft-eligible seasons in the OHL. Cowan told The Leafs Nation’s Steven Ellis that it’s goal to crack the Maple Leafs’ roster out of training camp, and while it takes defencemen longer to develop into NHL-caliber players, it’s entirely possible Toronto hit proverbial home runs in back-to-back years. The 18-year-old is already making a strong impression on fans off the ice as Danford and his family revealed they are lifelong Maple Leafs fans, upon being selected by the club. Danford was thrilled to get a congratulatory text from John Tavares, although the novelty surrounding his training camp teammates will surely wear off soon. In the interim, Danford is already making a strong impression on Wickenheiser and the Maple Leafs’ staff, which will go a long way entering his first NHL training camp this fall.
