Toronto Maple Leafs fans, meet one of the most intriguing names in the system — Ben Danford. Host Zack Phillips is joined by prospect analyst Steven Ellis to break down what makes Danford such a unique defensive prospect, the type of role he could play in the NHL, and what his true ceiling might be. From his hard-nosed, shutdown style to questions about his offensive upside, we dig into whether Danford projects as a reliable second-pair option, a rock-solid third-pairing piece, or even a valuable trade chip as the Leafs remain in “win-now” mode. Plus, Steven shares insights on Danford’s durability, leadership growth, and why patience in his development will be key. Leafs Nation, is Danford an untouchable future cornerstone — or a prospect to move in pursuit of a Cup run? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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17 Comments
Let's GO LEAFS GO!💛🧡🤎❤️🩷💜💙🩵💚🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦👍👍👍
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I also like what I’ve seen of Noah Chadwick, 6’4” 210, physical with some offensive ability. 14pts in 16 playoff games, 7 goals. Hurricanes Captain
1967😂… loser leafs fans
Third pairing defenceman is the next big thing? This is why it's hard to play in Toronto
Danford is more Justin Holl than Shea Weber, trust me. Just Leaf YouTube hype machine podcasters.
the leafs passed om schneider guy walked right into the nhl, but hey lets find small forwards
This is new era, so bringing up Dermott, Sandin, Lillegren, etc. is lazy imo. Treliving clearly prioritizes building from the goalie on out, something every regime has ignored or failed at in the last 30 years. The style of dman Danford is aligns perfectly with this vision. The Leafs have never taken a right shot shut-down dman in the draft since…. ever. Not so long as I've been alive. Look at how treliving built CGY. It's the same formula here. Took one full year to turn the Leafs into a top 10 defensive team. I'm sure he knew what he was drafting in Danford. If he turns out to be a younger Tanev-esque player, the Leafs are in a very, very good place, regardless of what pairing Daily Faceoff has him slotted.
Cool name.
Danford, Cowan are not untouchable. Just don't trade them for a UFA. Deal for a player with term.
Funny you mention “He’s obviously no Lane Hutson” who the leafs passed on for Fraser Minten 😆
Danford seems like a keeper. D-man of the future 🎉.
If the Leafs can put themselves in a serious position to win now, I think Ben Danford is definitely expendable. Same goes Easton Cowan..it's getting to the point now, where they're gonna have to seriously consider moving on from some of these guys for some serious help..I think Cowan is projected to be a middle 6 forward at best and with Danford projected to be a 3rd pair shutdown defenseman years from now at best, it's time to start shopping these guys around to at least see what's out there. The Leafs need to win within the next 3 years, cause I can see AM 34 walking as a UFA most likely and then it's back to rebuild mode and I would consider the Mathews era possibly the most wasted era of all time in the history of this franchise..they need to be more cut throat like Vegas..say what you want..and I hated how they did Fleury, but guess what..THEY WON A FREAKING CUP! It's a business that's about winning, not caring about feelings. Plain and simple 🤷
Ben Danford is wasting his time becoming a Leaf…Go elsewhere and thrive…Play in Toronto barely survive…Get out Ben while you still can…
The real question is- does Auston grow a pair this year or is he still the 6’3 215lb softie that gets ragdolled by Stammer.
I’m sorry I absolutely ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ agree with your guest today
Easton Cᴏᴡᴀɴ and Ben Danford are BOTH UNTOUCHABLE assets right now those two are needed and counted as two pieces to FILL the absence of Marner’s production and his defensive skills (plus Toronto doesn’t have a big list of up and coming talent so these pieces are crucial to staying competitive going forward
Stian Solberg and Liam Greentree were available when the Leafs traded back and are looking like way better prospects than Danford.