Head injury sidelines Maple Leafs' first-round pick following training camp hit
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The Toronto Maple Leafs have selected defenseman Ben Danford in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft, but an injury at training camp has raised concerns about his future.
During the early stages of the Leafs' training camp, Danford reportedly suffered an injury after taking a hit that forced him to leave the ice. Early reports indicate the injury could be serious, as Danford was taken off for further evaluation after the hit.
"At 18-years of age, Danford is exactly what this Toronto Maple Leafs blue line has been missing, but with a bright future ahead, it's not a good sign that early in his first training camp he is taking hits like this that could lead to major damage."
Reports from training camp noted that Danford was expected to make a push for a roster spot, although many fans were initially skeptical of the selection. The pick wasn't received warmly by Maple Leafs fans when Danford was chosen, especially given Toronto's win-now mentality.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are poised for success in the 2024/25 season, boasting a strong current roster while cultivating a promising prospect pool. Players like Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten are anticipated to compete for roster spots this season. Drafting Ben Danford in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft was viewed as a strategic move to bolster their future defense, but recent developments have taken a troubling turn.
The Maple Leafs were excited about the prospect of Danford joining their organization, with his impressive combination of size and skill. Last year, he tallied 33 points for the Oshawa Generals, showcasing his ability to contribute on both ends of the ice.
According to several reports, including one from Sportsnet, Danford's skillset fills a need on the Leafs' defense, but the injury at training camp might impact his development in the short term. His injury, reportedly a head injury, has raised concerns about his ability to bounce back quickly. Head injuries are particularly troubling, especially for young players like Danford who are still developing their game.
Bright future still ahead for the young defenseman
While this setback has created some uncertainty, both the Leafs and Danford remain hopeful. Toronto's coaching staff and management were reportedly thrilled with his performance leading up to the injury.
The hope is that Danford will use his elite combination of size and skill to rebound from this injury, return to training camp, and prove himself as a key part of the Maple Leafs' future.
| POLL | ||
12 SEPTEMBRE | 111 ANSWERS Head injury sidelines Maple Leafs' first-round pick following training camp hit Can Ben Danford earn a spot on the Maple Leafs' blue line for the 2024/25 season? | ||
| Yes | 33 | 29.7 % |
| No | 78 | 70.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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