Maple Leafs draft Ben Danford 31st overall

The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted defenseman Ben Danford with the 31st overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft on Friday.

Danford tallied 33 points in 64 games with the OHL's Oshawa Generals last season. He added 10 points in 21 playoff games as the Generals lost to Easton Cowan and the London Knights in the OHL Final.

The Madoc, Ontario, native is listed at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds.

"It's super special," Danford told Sportsnet's Jeff Marek. "Growing up, I've been a lifelong, die-hard Leafs fan, and to get drafted by them, it means that much more, so I can't wait to get started."

Danford described what Toronto fans can expect out of the team's newest prospect.

"I think the main thing is just a competitive guy," he told Marek. "A guy that does anything for the team to win: block shots, can play a two-way game, defense-first, and can contribute offensively as well."

The Maple Leafs traded down from No. 23 earlier in the night, adding the 58th overall pick from the Ducks.

NHL Central Scouting ranked Danford 35th among North American skaters.

Toronto hadn't drafted a defenseman in the first round since snagging Rasmus Sandin in 2018.

"Danford skates quite well," The Athletic's Corey Pronman wrote. "He's able to escape pressure with the puck and skate pucks up ice like a pro. Defensively, he closes on pucks quickly and competes well enough to win a lot of close races."