Rising Star Could Change the Maple Leafs Blue Line Future

['Dave Benson', '.Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Coauthors.Is-Layout-Flow', 'Class', 'Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus', 'Display Inline', '.Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Avatar', 'Where Img', 'Height Auto Max-Width', 'Vertical-Align Bottom .Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Coauthors.Is-Layout-Flow .Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Avatar', 'Vertical-Align Middle .Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Avatar Is .Alignleft .Alignright'] Heavy Sports 2025-10-04 05:10:29

Because if the Toronto Maple Leafs’ preseason hype machine is to be believed, the 19-year-old defenseman has already started laying the groundwork for a career that could make opposing forwards plenty uncomfortable. Maple Leafs Prospect Ben Danford Turns Heads With Strong CampPlayDrafted 31st overall in 2024, Danford wasn’t expected to be more than a long-term project. He’s noticeable because he’s making good decisions, and he’s playing hard. It’s the kind of line that fits perfectly with the image he’s building: a defenseman who makes good hockey plays because he has good habits everywhere else. Fans wanted to see a reason to believe in the future of the Leafs’ blue line, and Danford has given them one.