We’ve hit December, and that means it’s almost time for the World Juniors - one of the most exciting stretches on the hockey calendar. For Team Canada, roster decisions are right around the corner, and one name to watch closely is Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford.
The Leafs’ 2024 first-round pick is making a serious case to crack the Canadian blue line. Danford is expected to be part of the upcoming 10-day training camp in Niagara Falls, running from December 12 to 22, and if he makes the final roster, it would be a major milestone in what's shaping up to be a strong development path.
Danford’s calling card has always been his defensive game - steady, smart, and composed under pressure. He’s the kind of stay-at-home defenseman who doesn’t need the spotlight to make an impact.
Coaches trust him because he rarely makes the kind of mistakes that end up on highlight reels for the wrong reasons. But that doesn’t mean he’s one-dimensional.
Over the last two OHL seasons, he’s been working to round out his offensive game, and the results are starting to show.
After starting the season with the Oshawa Generals, Danford was dealt to the Brantford Bulldogs on October 30 - a move that could pay off in a big way. Brantford isn’t just good this year; they’re dominating the OHL with a 19-1-4-1 record and are loaded with NHL-caliber talent. Danford’s already chipped in a goal and 10 assists over 19 games split between Oshawa and Brantford, showing that his offensive development is trending in the right direction.
Brantford’s roster is stacked with prospects from across the NHL pipeline. Jake O’Brien (Kraken), Jett Luchanko (Flyers), Adam Benak (Wild), Marek Vanacker (Blackhawks), Adam Jiricek (Blues), and fellow Leafs prospect Sam McCue are all part of the mix - not to mention Caleb Malhotra, a projected top-15 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. That kind of depth gives Brantford a legitimate shot at a Memorial Cup run, and Danford will be right in the middle of it.
Within the Leafs’ system, Danford has climbed the ranks quickly. He was ranked as the organization’s No. 2 prospect this past summer, and with Easton Cowan now firmly in the NHL, Danford has assumed the mantle as Toronto’s top prospect. If his trajectory continues, he could be pushing for an NHL roster spot as early as next fall.
What makes Danford such an intriguing player is how dependable he is in big moments. He’s already played in back-to-back OHL championship series, and while he didn’t come away with a title, he showed poise and maturity beyond his years. He’s comfortable playing both sides of the blue line, though the left side seems to suit his shot and instincts better.
Danford has mentioned wanting to model his game after Chris Tanev - a rock-solid, no-nonsense defender who brings stability to any pairing. That’s a fitting comparison.
He may not project as a top-pair guy, but if he tops out as a reliable No. 4 in Toronto, that’s still a major win for the Leafs. Every team needs a player who can quietly log tough minutes, kill penalties, and make the right play under pressure.
That’s where Danford thrives.
As the World Juniors approach, all eyes will be on that final Team Canada roster. And if Danford’s name is on it, it’ll be another step forward in what’s becoming a very promising career.