Maple Leafs cut defenseman; reassign him to juniors for 2024-2025 season

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Chris Gerics
September 30, 2024 (12:54)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs made a big roster decision on Monday as they decided to re-assign 2024 1st Round pick Ben Danford back to the Oshawa Generals of the OHL.

When the Maple Leafs drafted Danford 31st overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft a lot of people thought it was a bit of a stretch to trade down, but clearly they saw something in the Madoc, Ontario product. Noted for his defensive IQ and poise while under pressure, Danford is projected to be one of they key impact players for the Maple Leafs in the future.

Unfortunately for Danford, this offseason didn't turn out the way he envisioned as Danford suffered a nasty concussionat the hands of training camp invitee Marshall Finnie and has been out ever since. Well, he won't get a chance this season with the Maple Leafs as it was announced Monday the team has re-assigned Danford to the Oshawa Generals:

While the odds of Danford making the club this season was slim, a big showing in camp could have translated to a stint with the Marlies if healthy enough, though they may also want Danford to get a bit more condiitoning and skating under his belt. Loaning Danford doesn't necessarily mean he's completely at a loss though, as the team can recall him back once his time with Oshawa is done, specifically for a playoff run with the Marlies or in the best case scenario for the Maple Leafs as a depth defender at the end of the year and slide into a playoff roster spot with solid play. Danford isn't known to be a heavily offensive defenseman although he did have 32 assists last season for the Generals, and it goes to show that while he may not be a playmaker in name, his defense and ability to read the zone and let the offense get to work is a testament to how good he already is.

Danford was an interesting pick for the Maple Leafs, and it was definitely sentimental for Danford; the Maple Leafs were Danford's childhood team and he definitely felt the immediate pressure and excitement that comes with being drafted by your favorite team:

«Honestly, the second he (Wes Clark) called my name, I kind of blacked out a little bit. I think my whole family was in a little bit of a shock,» Danford explained. «We're from a small town so getting drafted on the big stage, especially in the first round, was pretty surreal for my whole family. I mean yeah, I kind of blacked out going down the stairs; my legs felt like Jell-O. It was kind of hard getting around there but no, it was good.»

It may be a few seasons before we see Danford suiting up for the Maple Leafs and all fans can do is wish him the best as he continues to patrol the blue line for Oshawa in the 2024-2025 season but if he can ride the momentum of last season along with motivation to play for the Maple Leafs; it may not be that many seasons after all.