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Maple Leafs prospects Ben Danford, Harry Nansi lead major categories in OHL’s Coaches Poll

Originally posted on TheLeafsnation | By Arun Srinivasan | Last updated Mar 18, 2026 9:06 AM ET

After standout campaigns in the Ontario Hockey League, two Toronto Maple Leafs prospects have certainly gained the respect of their peers and coaches.

Ben Danford and Harry Nansi both led categories in the annual OHL’s coaches poll. Danford, the Maple Leafs’ first-round pick in 2024, was named as the Eastern Conference’s best shot blocker, while being listed as one of the conference’s best penalty killers. Nansi was named the Western Conference’s most improved player.

Danford won a bronze medal with Team Canada at the 2026 World Juniors. He is the Maple Leafs’ most promising defensive prospect and could meaningfully challenge for an NHL roster spot as early as next fall. Danford was traded to the Brantford Bulldogs from the Oshawa Generals earlier this season. Brantford is atop the OHL this season, boasting a genuine chance to win the Memorial Cup.

Nansi was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NHL Draft. He was tasked with significantly improving his skating, and he’s amid a strong draft plus-one season, recording 13 goals and 53 points in 64 games for the Owen Sound Attack.

“A guy like Nansi, big, raw, rangy, skating has to get quicker. Feet have to get better but he really works and competes. Gets in the harder areas,” Maple Leafs scouting director Mark Leach said of Nansi, following the draft.

It’s always great to see Maple Leafs prospects thriving, and both Danford and Nansi could have a real future at the next level. Nansi could be a hidden gem from the 2025 class, while fellow 2025 classmate Tyler Hopkins continues to impress the Leafs’ organization for his mature, well-rounded game. Matthew Schaefer provided a brief scouting report of Hopkins, following the New York Islanders’ morning skate on Tuesday.

“He’s awesome,” Schaefer said of Hopkins. “Great guy. Grew up playing with him. He’s one of my good buddies. He’s so good on the ice, but off the ice, he’s just an amazing guy. The Leafs got a good one.”

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This article first appeared on TheLeafsnation and was syndicated with permission.

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