Ben Danford: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

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Ben Danford returned to the Toronto Marlies lineup over the weekend after missing a game with a lower-body injury earlier in the week and made an immediate impact in Saturday’s overtime win against the Belleville Senators.

NHL News / TheLeafsnation / October 19

Report: Maple Leafs will only move premium assets for difference maker on defence

The Toronto Maple Leafs will reportedly only move on from premium assets if they get a difference-maker back on the back end, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

Toronto Maple Leafs News / Professor Press Box / October 17

Danford Could Answer the Maple Leafs' Questions, But Can He Fix Things?

Sometimes the answer to a hockey team's problems isn't sitting on the trade market. It might be developing in its own system, waiting for a chance. That's the question facing the Toronto Maple Leafs as they look for help on defence.

Toronto Maple Leafs News / The Hockey Writers / October 17

Maple Leafs News & Rumours: Hiller’s Boring, McKenna’s Sits & Danford Call-Up?

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a few questions to answer after Thursday’s frustrating 5-4 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres. They let a two-goal third-period lead slip away, rookie Gavin McKenna spent much of the game watching from the bench, and the defence still looks like an area that needs attention.

Toronto Maple Leafs News / TheLeafsnation / October 13

Maple Leafs Prospect Roundup: Danford banged up, Williams leading the way for Saskatoon

Ben Danford turned heads last spring with the way he was able to step into the Toronto Marlies’ lineup, quickly becoming a real contributor for a championship team in his first taste of pro hockey.

NHL News / Yardbarker

The biggest draft bust for every NHL team

People love a good mid-round draft pick that pans out, and in the NHL you used to see those fairly often, but that’s obviously partially luck. If the Red Wings thought Nicklas Lidstrom was going to become a top-five defenseman in history, they wouldn’t have waited until the 53rd pick to take him.

Toronto Maple Leafs News / The Hockey Writers / October 8

The Maple Leafs May Have Found a Better Way to Develop Ben Danford

Ben Danford’s first full season of professional hockey was never going to be about rushing him to the Toronto Maple Leafs. In fact, the way his last season unfolded may have given the Maple Leafs something even more valuable than a quick promotion.

Toronto Maple Leafs News / Professor Press Box / October 7

Ben Danford Doesn't Have to Be Spectacular to Fit the Maple Leafs' Need

Something Marshall Rifai said about Ben Danford in a recent article struck me. He didn't talk about points. He didn't talk about offensive upside. He didn't talk about how quickly Danford might make the Maple Leafs.

Toronto Maple Leafs News / NHL Trade Talk / October 7

Evaluating One More Maple Leafs Trade Mad Lib?

It’s easy to fall into a trap when a young, talented player might be available: start building the trade package before asking whether the player actually makes sense for your team.

Toronto Maple Leafs News / TheLeafsnation / September 21

Maple Leafs lineup news: Morgan Rielly paired with Darren Raddysh, Dakota Joshua, Ben Danford placed in Group 2

There were a few key changes during Monday morning’s training camp session, as Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly was paired with Darren Raddysh at practice.

Toronto Maple Leafs News / NHL Trade Talk / September 20

3 Reasons Danford Is a Good Bet to Crack the Maple Leafs Lineup

Toronto’s blue line is crowded right now, and on paper, that’s not great news for a 20-year-old prospect trying to break in. But dig into the actual details, and Ben Danford looks like a real candidate to see NHL games this season anyway.

Toronto Maple Leafs News / The Hockey Writers / September 20

Ben Danford Poised to Crack Maple Leafs Roster in 2026-27

It’s safe to say the Toronto Maple Leafs officially have a logjam on the blue line heading into the 2026-27 season. While it isn’t a bad thing for the team, it does pose one obstacle for a defensive prospect looking to make his presence felt within the organization this season – Ben Danford.

NHL News / Yardbarker

The defining figure for every NHL franchise

People will talk about the “Mount Rushmore” for a franchise, which is to say the four people, usually four players, that most define the franchise. Not always the four-best players, but the four that evoke the essence of the franchise.

Toronto Maple Leafs News / TheLeafsnation / September 12

Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford is confident to handle pressure of pro hockey

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford said he had a great first taste of what life was like as a professional hockey player during the spring of 2026.

Toronto Maple Leafs News / TheLeafsnation / August 26

2026-27 TLN Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings: #3 Ben Danford

The TLN Maple Leafs prospect rankings were compiled by a panel of six TLN writers, each ranking our top 20 prospects to form a consensus group ranking.

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Toronto Maple Leafs News / Professor Press Box / August 24

Even If Ben Danford Makes the Leafs, Should He Start With the Marlies?

There is an interesting question facing Ben Danford this fall. What if he has a terrific training camp with the Maple Leafs? What if he looks like he belongs?

Toronto Maple Leafs News / NHL Trade Talk / August 24

Did the Maple Leafs make their biggest trade deadline move?

Every year around February, it’s the same story with the Toronto Maple Leafs: they need a shutdown defenseman, the trade market gets picked over, and Toronto ends up overpaying for some rental who leaves in July anyway.

Toronto Maple Leafs News / The Hockey Writers / August 10

The Maple Leafs have something unexpected in Ben Danford

We recently wrote about three young forwards who could eventually form the future core of the Toronto Maple Leafs: Easton Cowan, Gavin McKenna, and Matthew Knies.

Toronto Maple Leafs News / The Hockey Writers / August 2

Maple Leafs News & Rumours: Danford’s Patience, Borgesi’s Chance & Future Blueliners

The Toronto Maple Leafs have reshaped much of their NHL roster over the past year, but some of the most interesting stories heading into training camp may not be about the veterans.

Toronto Maple Leafs News / 6IX ON ICE / August 1

Is Ben Danford ready to make the jump to the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Ben Danford is in a curious position. If he plays in the AHL next season, he will be considered a rookie. With that said he has already been a regular member of a Calder Cup-winning blueline.

NHL News / TheLeafsnation / July 24

Three bargain free agents Maple Leafs should still have on their radar

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka has put his fingerprints all over his roster heading into next season. Chayka hasn’t wasted any time since taking over for Brad Treliving, completing significant trades, adding via free agency, and ensuring the 2026-27 roster is full of new talent.

Toronto Maple Leafs News / Yardbarker / September 22, 2025

Maple Leafs HC Craig Berube praises young defenseman

The Toronto Maple Leafs started their main camp on Sunday with a 4-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Head coach Craig Berube took the opportunity to praise a 19-year-old player.

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Toronto Maple Leafs News / Hockey Patrol / March 9, 2025

Leafs Top Prospect Ben Danford Suspended Following Major Line Brawl

Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford isn't shy about getting physical, however it cost him a couple of games after he got involved in a line brawl with his OHL team.