Ben Danford

Ben Danford (born February 6, 2006) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect to the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted 31st overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2024 NHL entry draft.

Playing career On April 20, 2022, Danford was drafted 14th overall by the Oshawa Generals in the 2022 OHL Draft. On May 13, 2022, he signed with the Generals. During the 2022–23 season, in his first season with the Generals, he recorded four goals and 17 assists in 63 regular season games. During the 2023–24 season, he recorded one goal and 32 assists in 64 regular season games. During the playoffs, he recorded four goals and six assists in 21 games.

On June 28, 2024, Danford was drafted 31st overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2024 NHL entry draft. He was later signed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Maple Leafs on August 2, 2024. During a Maple Leafs' rookie camp scrimmage, Danford suffered a concussion after receiving a hit to the head by invitee Marshall Finnie. The concussion caused him to miss the Prospect Showdown against the Montreal Canadiens and the Maple Leafs training camp. On September 30, Danford was loaned back to the Oshawa Generals. Upon his return, the Generals named him the team captain for the 2024–25 season, which he called “surreal.” He had 5 goals and 20 assists in 61 games in the regular season, and was named a Third Team All-Star. In the postseason, Danford led the Generals on another deep run to the OHL Finals, where they faced the London Knights for the second consecutive year, and were again defeated. Danford had 2 goals and 3 assists in 21 playoff games.

International play

Danford represented Canada at the 2026 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and won a bronze medal.

Personal life Danford's father, Allan, was drafted in the 15th round of the 1987 OHL Draft by the Toronto Marlboros. His family owns a construction company, Danford Construction.

Career statistics Regular season and playoffs

International Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM 2022 Canada Red U17 7 1 1 2 10 2023 Canada HG18 5 0 0 0 4 Junior totals 12 1 1 2 14

Awards and honours Award Year RefOHL Third All-Star Team 2025