Photo credit: Steven Ellis – The Daily Faceoff
Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford has been dangled about as a trade piece as the team looks to add some big-time forward help according to NHL Insider David Pagnotta.There have been talks about the Toronto Maple Leafs wanting to add a top-six forward and while that would be great, they seem to lack a lot of premium assets in order to get a deal done.It’s highly unlikely that the team will part with a name like Easton Cowan, who has the potential to become an absolute stud in the NHL, and guys like Noah Chadwick are oozing with a ton of upside, and losing him would be a hit to Toronto’s prospect pool.
Ben Danford emerges as a surprising trade candidate
However, there is a distinct possibility the team might be willing to part with Ben Danford according to NHL Insider David Pagnotta.
I’ve started to hear [Leafs prospect] Ben Danford’s name as a piece that they might consider to dangle.
It makes sense as to why Toronto would want to part with Danford, as he’s still a bit of a wild-card, and if there’s a chance a team will bite on his potential, and offer a top-six player in return; it might be too good to pass up.
Take a team like Pittsburgh for example. They could use a young defensive prospect in addition to Charlie Trethaway, and with players like Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust available as impact players for the Leafs, that might be an avenue they explore.
Ben Danford: Quietly solid, aggressively focused
Danford, drafted 31st overall in the 2024 Draft, has been working extremely hard this summer to get himself in as best physical and mental shape as possible, and is working with a contingent of Mark Giordano, Jake Muzzin, and Chris Tanev; a trio of defensive geniuses who will no doubt help Danford’s growth.
It was another frustrating end to his season though, as Danford’s Oshawa Generals lost their second straight OHL Championships to fellow Leafs prospect Easton Cowan’s London Knights, but put in a solid year regardless.
Danford, 19, had 25 points in 61 games for the Generals (5 goals, 20 assists) which is a bit of a regression from his outstanding 2023-24 season where he had 33 points in 64 games (1 goal, 32 assists).
He’s got some wheels and he plays a very hard and aggressive game, but his offensive skillset needs a bit of work, though with Toronto focusing on more of a gritty and slower-paced game, it could work out for Danford.
It would be hard to argue shouldn’t trade Danford, especially if there’s a chance to bring in the type of player who not only changes the culture, but brings them that much-desired success.
Though if they have a little patience, keeping Danford around might pay off huge in the future.
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Leafs Prospect Quietly Emerging as a Name to Watch in Trade Talks
Do you think the Maple Leafs should trade Ben Danford for forward help?