Oshawa’s Danford ‘honoured’ to sign with Toronto Maple Leafs

Oshawa Generals defenceman Ben Danford is officially a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.

The 31 overall pick by Toronto in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft last month signed a three-year entry-level contract on Friday (August 2).

“I’m excited and honoured to sign with the Leafs,” said Danford on the Generals website. “Huge thanks to my teammates, coaches, my family, trainers and anyone else who has helped me along the way.”

The 18-year-old, who was taken 14 overall by Oshawa in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, had a goal and 32 assists for 33 points in 64 games in his second season with the OHL club.

The native of Madoc, ON. helped lead the Generals to an Eastern Conference title before losing to the London Knights in the OHL finals.

Danford had four goals and six assists for 10 points and was a plus 6 in 21 playoff games.

The rugged six-foot-two, 192-pounder has already become an anchor on the Oshawa blueline where he is known for his physical style, strong gap control and shot-blocking skills.

“It’s a great accomplishment to be drafted and signed by an original six team,” says Generals GM and Vice President, Roger Hunt. “For a small-town kid, this is a huge achievement, and we couldn’t be more proud of Ben.”

Danford will attend his first camp in Toronto this fall.