Toronto Maple Leafs defensive prospect Ben Danford is embracing a fresh start with the Brantford Bulldogs as he works toward multiple ambitious goals for the 2025-26 hockey season. The 19-year-old defenceman, acquired by the Bulldogs from the Oshawa Generals in late October, brings valuable championship experience to his new team after reaching the OHL finals in consecutive years.
Developing a Complete Game
Recognized as one of the Ontario Hockey League's top defensive defencemen, Danford is focused on expanding his offensive capabilities while maintaining his strong defensive foundation. The Leafs' first-round pick from 2024 views this final junior season as crucial for demonstrating his puck-moving abilities and offensive potential.
"I have a really good defensive foundation, but I want to keep improving that way," Danford explained in a recent phone interview. "I've been pretty happy with the way I've been handling the puck offensively. I'm trying to open up some doors to show that I do have offensive upside."
While acknowledging he may not become a primary offensive contributor at the NHL level, Danford aims to develop into a player who can provide secondary offence through confident puck movement and smart first passes.
Championship Aspirations and World Junior Dreams
Danford's checklist for the current season includes several significant objectives. The Bulldogs have emerged as OHL favorites, remaining the only undefeated team in regulation across the entire Canadian Hockey League with an impressive 16-0-4-1 record to start the season.
Beyond team success, Danford has his sights set on representing Canada at the 2026 World Junior Hockey Championship in Minnesota. His strong performance at Maple Leafs training camp has provided momentum as he continues developing under Bulldogs coach Jay McKee, an NHL veteran with 800 games of experience.
The connection to former Leafs winger Zach Hyman, who purchased the Bulldogs with his family in January, adds another layer of motivation. After Danford and defenceman Zackary Sandhu joined Brantford in the October 30th trade, they received a welcoming text from Hyman and later met him in person when the Bulldogs attended an Edmonton Oilers game in Buffalo.
Fresh Start for Marlies Defenceman Henry Thrun
Meanwhile, in the Toronto Marlies organization, defenceman Henry Thrun is revitalizing his career after being acquired from the San Jose Sharks in July. The 24-year-old blueliner played 119 NHL games over three seasons with San Jose but sought a fresh start in the Maple Leafs organization.
"Playing in San Jose was great, I got a lot of experience, but it was hard playing for so long on a team that didn't have a lot of success," Thrun admitted. "I felt that there were parts of my game that started to diminish while I was there."
Thrun has been working to rediscover elements of his game that made him successful previously, particularly his puck movement in both defensive and offensive zones. He and William Villeneuve currently lead Marlies defencemen with eight points each.
Marlies coach John Gruden has been impressed with Thrun's approach to his development. "He has handled it extremely well for a guy that has played in the NHL," Gruden noted. "He's embracing how he can grow his game so he can get back there. He's done everything we've asked."
As both prospects continue their development paths, the Maple Leafs organization watches closely, hoping these investments in young defensive talent will pay dividends at the NHL level in the coming seasons.
