Leafs 2024 draft pick Ben Danford breaks silence upon signing first NHL contract
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed prospect Ben Danford to an entry-level contract today, inspiring the young defenseman to make a statement for Leafs fans.
The team made the announcement via social media today, as has become the norm for NHL teams whenever a news-worthy event occurs. Danford is particularly notable as he was the team's first selection in the 2024 draft, and their only pick that has a seriously good chance of becoming a Signficant NHL player. Danford was picked in the first round, 31st overall, a pick that originally belonged to the Edmonton Oilers.
Following the team's official announcement, Danford made a statement of his own, posting a picture of himself signing the contract on his Instagram page.
Notably, Danford grew up in the Toronto metro area and was thus a Leafs fan. Should he make the show, he will be playing for his favorite team, assuming the Leafs do not trade him before then.
Entry-level contracts have many limitations on them based on the CBA, so the Leafs had little wiggle room to make adjustments they thought were fair.
Since Danford is still 18, it is a three-years long. It carries a cap hit of 964 thousand dollars, and Danford has secured signing bonuses of just under 100k each year of the deal.
Danford comes from the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League. Last season he recorded a single goal and 33 points and was rated as a +27 in 64 regular season games. In the playoffs, he got into 21 contests and recorded 4 goals and 10 points and was a +6.
He figures to be more of a defensive defenseman at the NHL level and he shoots right handed, which is always a nice bonus for defensemen.
Source: Sportskeeda.com
Toronto Maple Leafs' 2024 first round pick Ben Danford has a message for fans after signing first NHL contract
Source: EliteProspects
Ben Danford Statistics
| POLL | ||
When do you think Ben Danford will make his debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| never | 13 | 5.1 % |
| next season | 92 | 36.1 % |
| 2025-26 | 80 | 31.4 % |
| 2026-27 or later | 70 | 27.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
