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TORONTO — Ben Danford grew up a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs in Madoc, Ontario, a 2 1/2-hour drive from Scotiabank Arena. So when the big, rangy right-shot defenseman was available with the Maple Leafs set to select at No. 31 at the 2024 NHL Draft, the fit was perfect.

At Maple Leafs development camp earlier this month, the 18-year-old expressed his optimism after conversing with them, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the situation. He was thrilled when they chose No. 31, and it ultimately yielded positive results. “I consider myself a versatile player, prioritizing defense while also contributing to the offense. My approach is to compete fiercely, excel in various game scenarios, and show dedication by blocking shots.”

To put it simply, Danford (6-foot-1, 194 pounds) is the perfect player that Toronto has been seeking to add to their team this offseason. He not only enhances their current lineup but also aligns with their future goals. During the development camp, he closely collaborated with Jake Muzzin, a defenseman who shares a similar playing style. Muzzin, after playing 187 games for the Maple Leafs over five NHL seasons, later transitioned to Toronto’s front office as a pro scout in 2023.

Danford expressed his excitement, stating, “It has been an amazing experience. Being a lifelong fan of the Leafs and having admired him for so long, getting the opportunity to know him and gain knowledge from him is truly extraordinary.”

Even though his offensive statistics from last season were not impressive, with just one goal and 32 assists in 64 games during his second season with Oshawa of the Ontario Hockey League, Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, Maple Leafs assistant general manager for player development, believes there is potential for improvement. However, what stood out the most was Danford’s determination to excel in the defensive aspect of the game.

According to Wickenheiser, he possesses exceptional grace and intelligence on the ice, demonstrating strong defensive skills. While his offensive statistics may not reflect it, Wickenheiser believes that his abilities exceed what the numbers indicate. Additionally, he is a well-rounded individual hailing from a respectable family background, displaying admirable traits and athleticism. Observing his movements off the ice provides insight into why he excels on it.

Facing Danford during the OHL playoffs was an impressive experience for forward Easton Cowan. In 21 games, Danford contributed greatly to Oshawa’s journey to the league final, scoring four goals and providing six assists. Unfortunately, Oshawa was ultimately swept by London in the best-of-seven series. It’s worth noting that Cowan, who previously played for London and was picked by Toronto in the 2023 NHL Draft as the 28th overall selection, recognized Danford’s skill and performance on the ice.

Cowan expressed his knowledge about him, stating, “He possesses a strong competitive spirit. He fearlessly positioned himself in front of Kasper Halttunen’s powerful shots during their game, which indicates his exceptional competitiveness.”

Danford is aware that his success won’t be achieved by playing a flamboyant style of game, and he’s perfectly content with that as long as he is making valuable contributions towards winning.

Danford emphasized the importance of the less visible aspects of the game, such as blocking shots and making small contributions that aid the success of one’s teammates. He believes that these little things are often overlooked by regular television viewers. At the development camp, there has been significant emphasis on these aspects as they play a crucial role in the game.

Given my skating ability and hockey IQ, I believe there is room for improvement in my offense. The presence of a highly competent development staff, among the best in the world, provides me with the assurance that I will be guided in the right direction to enhance my skills.