Maple Leafs Reevaluate Ben Danford Draft Decision

The Toronto Maple Leafs are re-evaluating their decision to draft Ben Danford, who was selected 31st overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Since the draft, Danford’s selection has sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts. He was highly regarded in pre-draft rankings, with EliteProspects placing him at 30th and NHL Central Scouting ranking him 35th among North American skaters, suggesting he was expected to go in the early to mid-second round.

Concerns Over Offensive Output

One of the main critiques of Danford is his limited offensive production. In the 2023-2024 season, he recorded just one goal and 33 points in 64 games with the Oshawa Generals in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Such statistics are viewed as below par for a player taken in the first round, even at the tail end.

Defensive Reliability

Despite these concerns, Danford is recognized for his defensive capabilities. He earned a spot on Canada’s World Juniors roster, highlighting his reputation as a reliable defender. Many believe his solid in-zone play and defensive maturity could still contribute to the Maple Leafs’ success in the future.

Comparisons to Other Draft Picks

Fans have started questioning whether Danford was indeed the right choice for Toronto. Many are pointing to Igor Chernyshov, selected 33rd overall by the San Jose Sharks just two picks later. Chernyshov has made an immediate impact, scoring eight goals in his first seven games. His impressive performance raises concerns about what Danford might be lacking offensively, especially given that Chernyshov had a phenomenal season prior to the draft, leading in points per game in the OHL.

• Igor Chernyshov’s stats: 8 goals in 7 games for the Sharks.
• Chernyshov’s former OHL season: 55 points in 23 games.
• Top pace since Connor McDavid’s 2015 season.

Potential Alternatives

Other players drafted after Danford have also garnered attention. For example, Harrison Brunicke, selected 44th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Cole Hutson, taken 43rd by Washington, are among those who have impressed early in their careers. Moreover, sources close to the Maple Leafs indicated that they were also interested in EJ Emery, a USA U18 defenseman who went 30th to the New York Rangers.

Looking Ahead

While questions persist about Danford’s offensive potential, many believe he could still carve out a successful professional career. Analyzing the current state of the draft class, only 11 first-round picks from the 2024 draft have played in the NHL, suggesting that assessing talent too early can be misleading.

In summary, while fans may long for a scoring threat like Igor Chernyshov, the Maple Leafs could still benefit from Ben Danford’s skilled defensive play. Only time will tell if this decision proves beneficial for Toronto in the long run.