Leafs' 2024 First-Round Pick Ben Danford Demolishes Opponents with Pair of Massive Open Ice Hits

Danford, the 31st overall pick in this year's draft, missed all of Leafs training camp due to the concussion he suffered in practice ahead of the 2024 Rookie Showcase. Near the end of training camp, Danford began skating by himself and with other injured Leafs in a non-contact jersey, which was a relief for fans and the organization, given how troubling concussions can be to manage and recover from.

After a few skates, and after overseeing his recovery, the Leafs' medical staff felt comfortable enough to send Danford back to the OHL. Since returning to the OHL and recovering from his concussion, Danford is now handing out massive hits for the Oshawa Generals. Named captain of the Generals upon his return to the OHL and from his concussion, Danford has been a stable, reliable and very physical presence for the Generals through 10 games this season.

Although he has just two points in 10 games, he has made his presence felt with his physicality, including landing a pair of huge open-ice hits in back-to-back games this week. First, Danford caught Ivan Galiyanov with a clean hit in Niagara and the following night caught Kingston's Riley Clark with a similar hit.

Danford was a very surprising first-round pick by the Leafs, but has quickly developed into one of their top defensive prospects and depending on how far the Generals go this season, could be a late season addition for the Leafs, although that scenario is unlikely for such a young blueliner -- unless the Leafs clinch a playoff spot early.