Maple Leafs sign 2024 first-round pick Ben Danford (Image Source: IMAGN)

The Toronto Maple Leafs made waves on Friday by signing top defensive prospect Ben Danford to a three-year, entry-level contract. Danford was picked No. 31 overall by the Leafs in the 2024 NHL draft after a standout season with the Oshawa Generals in the OHL.

In 64 regular season games in 2023-24, he notched 33 points through one goal and 32 assists. He added 10 more points through four goals and six assists in 21 playoff games as the Generals reached the OHL Championship Series.

Leafs fans were thrilled about the signing, with many taking to social media to voice their excitement.

One fan claimed on X/Twitter:

“Best prospect in NHL history I’m hearing.”

Another fan lauded Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving for signing the top prospect:

“Incredible job by Brad Treliving to lock this absolute stud up for 3 years. Wow. I thought maybe he’d want to shorten the length get to his big payday earlier, but no, Brad talked him into it. 3 years. Wow.”

Here are some more fan reactions on X:

“Okay… seems like jumping the gun a little. Trade Liljegren and Kampf for a left winger now!” one fan said.

“Another player added to a losing team. So much talent but can’t do anything with it when it matters.” another fan wrote.

“3 years for a guy with literally no nhl experience no wonder this franchise can’t win more than 5 playoff games a year Dubas hands out contracts like candy. Enjoy cap hell, ” a user wrote.

“The people are saying he’s a dark horse to challenge for a roster spot… so the people say” another user said.

Ben Danford on signing his first deal with Toronto Maple Leafs

Ben Danford expressed his excitement about the deal on his Instagram account, writing:

“I am honored to sign my first NHL contract with the @MapleLeafs. Thank you to everyone who helped me along the way.”

The Madoc, Ontario native recently attended his first development camp with the Leafs in July. He worked alongside former Leafs defenseman and Stanley Cup champion Jake Muzzin during the camp.

After the development camp, Danford spoke about looking forward to attending his first NHL training camp this fall (via TheHockeyNews.com):

“You want to stay around for as long as you can, take it all in, and be around those pros for as long as you can because they’re there for a reason,” Danford said. “Feed off them and learn from them. I think that will be really beneficial for me.”

Maple Leafs fans will be eager to see how this young talent develops in the future.