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Maple Leafs 1st Rounder Ben Danford Reveals What He Needs to Improve Upon

2024 31st overall draft pick Ben Danford has revealed what he believes is his biggest area of need for improvement is prior to becoming NHL-ready.

In a strategic move at the 2024 NHL draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced Ben Danford as their 31st overall pick, marking the first time since 2018 that the team has opted for a defenseman in their opening selection.

The last defenseman to be graced with such an honor in Toronto was Rasmus Sandin. Notably, the choice of Danford might raise some eyebrows, reminiscent of last year's surprise with Easton Cowan, yet both picks share a common thread of potential upside that the Leafs are eager to harness.

Ben Danford, a towering figure at 6'1 and weighing 194 pounds, is a right-shooting defenseman who encapsulates the ideal attributes of a modern-day blueliner. His agility on the ice, combined with his intelligence in play-making, his knack for blocking shots, and his physicality, shapes him into a formidable presence. His prowess isn't confined to defense alone; Danford is also evolving into a robust offensive player and a competent penalty killer, suggesting a versatile toolkit that the Leafs are in dire need of to bolster their defensive lineup.

The Ontario-born defenseman has expressed profound excitement about joining a team he has long admired. In an interview, Danford shared a poignant moment from the Leafs' summer development camp, revealing his admiration for former Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin, who he had the opportunity to meet and learn from. Danford conveyed his sentiments, stating,

"I've been a Leafs fan my whole life and I've watched him and definitely looked up to him, so to get to know him and learn from him, it's really special." -Danford in an interview with NHL.com's Dave McCarthy

Reflecting on his potential contribution to the team, Danford emphasized the importance of resilience and meticulous effort in areas that often go unnoticed by the casual viewer but are crucial to the success on the ice.

"Blocking shots, just doing little things, the normal people watching games on television don't see those little things that help your teammates succeed. I feel like that's a huge part of the game, blocking shots, getting bumps on guys, little things like that they've really harped so far at development camp."

While there's a broad consensus on his need to enhance his offensive capabilities, Danford is optimistic about his growth, crediting the Leafs' top-tier development staff.

"I feel like with my skating ability and hockey IQ, (my offense) is something I can definitely improve on. There's a great development staff here that definitely know what they're doing, some of the best in the world so with them behind me, I should be going in the right direction for sure."

As Danford sets his sights on making a mark in the NHL, only time will tell how this draft choice will play out for the Leafs. However, given his dedication and intelligence, the early indicators are promising.

Previously on MapleLeafsLatest

Mitch Marner's Contract Talks Stir the Pot in Toronto

An extension for an Avs star might have a significant effect on Mitch Marner

Domi's Role with the Leafs: Emerging Talent May Be the Defermining Factor

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20 JUILLET \| 60 ANSWERS Maple Leafs 1st Rounder Ben Danford Reveals What He Needs to Improve Upon When will Ben Danford join the NHL on a full-time basis?
1 year	3	5 %
2 years	40	66.7 %
3+ years	16	26.7 %
Never	1	1.7 %
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