Ben Danford opens up on first NHL contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs

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Tom Banks
August 3, 2024 (1:57 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs landed talented blue liner Ben Danford in the 2024 NHL Draft, and now he's opened up on what it means to him after signing his first deal.

Ben Danford's professional career in hockey got off to a surprising start, as many expected him to be a second-round pick before the Toronto Maple Leafs landed the Oshawa Generals blue liner in the first round. Now, the team has officially inked him to his three-year entry-level deal, showing that they've got big plans for him in the coming years.

Official ELC Contract of Leafs First Round Pick Ben Danford:

� Year 1: $862K NHL, $95K Signing Bonus

� Year 2: $864K NHL, $96K Signing Bonus

� Year 3: $877.5K NHL, $97.5K Signing Bonus

Cap Hit/AAV: $964K

Now, the lifelong Maple Leafs fan has reacted to his deal on social media, showing his clear excitement for the future with this team, as he expects to be a big part of their future on the defensive side of things.

I am honoured to sign my first NHL contract with the @mapleleafs . Thank you to everyone who helped me along the way.

The 18-year-old tallied just one goal a season ago in the OHL with Oshawa but added an impressive 32 assists, and with his offensive upside seen as very high, his development will be a huge storyline for Leafs fans to keep an eye on.

Source: Hockey Patrol
Leafs 2024 draft pick Ben Danford breaks silence upon signing first NHL contract