Toronto Maple Leafs Already Considering Trading Their Most Promising Defensive Prospect

Ben Danford was the Toronto Maple Leafs' first-round, 31st overall draft pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The defenseman has been a stud with the Oshawa Generals and was the captain of his team last season.

He is currently attending Maple Leafs development camp, and he is expected to be one of the guys who takes a leap to the AHL for some development.

However, with the Toronto Maple Leafs looking to make some big moves this offseason, there are questions about whether or not Danford should stick around.

In fact, according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, it would appear as though the Leafs are actually considering trading Danford.

Teams want a right-shot defenseman, and with the Leafs in need of talent on their top-six, Danford could be a victim of circumstance. It would be unfortunate, but not unprecedented when you consider general manager Brad Treliving's recent moves.

This past season, the Leafs parted ways with guys like Fraser Minten, which should tell you everything you need to know about the team's strategy.

They want guys on the roster. Guys with potential who spend most of their time in the AHL aren't going to cut it right now.

The fanbase is expecting a Stanley Cup during the Auston Matthews era, and at this point, this is not possible with the current era. If that means guys like Danford have to be traded, then so be it.

Only time will tell whether or not the Leafs go through with it, or if they keep Danford and hope he turns into a true star NHL defenseman.