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For the second consecutive year, the Toronto Maple Leafs went against consensus thinking with their first-round pick, selecting defenceman Ben Danford from the Oshawa Generals. Danford was considered by many as one of the best defenders in the OHL with ascending offensive qualities and he clearly was Wes Clark and Brad Treliving’s guy all along.
And for the second consecutive year, Toronto’s first-round pick has aced the first impression test. Easton Cowan could legitimately crack an NHL roster spot out of training camp this fall and Danford excelled during last week’s events at the Ford Performance Centre.
“He made some really nice plays and jumped in the rush,” Maple Leafs assistant general manager Hayley Wickenheiser said of Danford’s performance to TSN’s Mark Masters, following Sunday’s scrimmage. “Nice assist on the goal. His offensive upside might be better than what he’s shown statistically. You can see that and he moves really well. Watching him off the ice, a good athlete.”
