Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford is setting his sights on a coveted opportunity to wear the maple leaf on the international stage. The young defenceman, selected by the Leafs in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft, is eagerly vying for a spot on Canada's roster for the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championship.
A First-Round Pick with High Hopes
Ben Danford's hockey journey took a significant leap forward on June 28, 2024, when the Toronto Maple Leafs called his name in Las Vegas. Now, just over a year later, the talented blueliner is focused on a new challenge: proving he belongs among Canada's best junior players. The World Junior Championship represents the pinnacle of under-20 hockey, and securing a spot on the team is a major goal for any Canadian prospect.
Danford's development has been closely watched by Leafs management and fans alike. His combination of size, skating, and defensive awareness made him a standout prior to the draft, and his post-draft season has been about refining those tools. The chance to test himself against the world's elite in a high-pressure tournament is seen as a critical next step in his progression toward the NHL.
The Path to the World Junior Roster
Earning an invitation to Canada's selection camp is an honour in itself, but making the final cut is a fiercely competitive process. Danford will be up against other top defensive prospects from across the Canadian Hockey League and the NCAA. The evaluation, which includes intense on-ice sessions and scrimmages, will determine who gets to compete for gold.
For Danford, the tournament offers more than just national pride. It is a platform to demonstrate his readiness for professional hockey and to gain invaluable experience in a best-on-best format. The pace, physicality, and scrutiny of the World Juniors are often considered a preview of what players can expect at the highest levels of the sport.
What This Means for the Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs organization has a vested interest in Danford's success at the tournament. A strong performance would not only boost his confidence but also validate the team's decision to use a first-round pick on him. Player development is a cornerstone of building a sustainable contender, and having prospects excel internationally reflects well on the franchise's scouting and development programs.
As the selection camp approaches, Danford's focus will be on showcasing the attributes that made him a first-round talent. His eagerness to seize this opportunity underscores his commitment to his craft and his ambition to one day contribute to the Maple Leafs' blue line. Canadian hockey fans will be watching closely to see if he can secure his place on a team with a rich history of launching future NHL stars.
