The international stage is set for two of the Toronto Maple Leafs' promising young defencemen. Prospects Ben Danford and Victor Johansson are poised to represent Canada and Sweden, respectively, at the IIHF World Junior Championship, which begins on Boxing Day in Minnesota.
New Generation Carries the Torch
This year's tournament continues a long tradition for the storied franchise. A total of 19 players on the current Maple Leafs roster previously competed in the world juniors before reaching the NHL. For Danford and Johansson, this is their chance to shine on one of hockey's most prestigious platforms for young talent.
Danford, the Leafs' first-round pick (31st overall) in the 2024 NHL Draft, will anchor Canada's defensive efforts. The 19-year-old Brantford Bulldogs blueliner is expected to play a crucial shutdown role. His style has drawn comparisons from Hockey Canada management to current Leafs defenceman Chris Tanev, highlighting his potential future value to Toronto.
Selected in the fourth round (120th overall) in 2024, Swedish defenceman Victor Johansson brings a different skillset. Having split this season between Leksands IF in the SHL and Oskarshamn IK in Sweden's second tier, Johansson is noted for his mobility, competitiveness in puck battles, and a physical edge to his game. He is projected to slot into a bottom-pairing role for a Swedish team considered among the tournament favourites.
Canada, with Danford, opens its tournament on Friday, December 26th against Czechia. Sweden, featuring Johansson, begins its campaign earlier that day against Slovakia. A potential dream matchup in the gold-medal game between the two prospects remains a tantalizing possibility.
A Legacy of World Junior Success (and Heartbreak)
The Maple Leafs' connection to the world juniors is filled with both iconic triumphs and notable disappointments, shaping the careers of many current stars.
Captain John Tavares delivered one of the most dominant performances in tournament history. After winning gold in 2008, he returned in 2009 as tournament MVP, racking up 15 points in just six games in Ottawa. His pivotal assist on Jordan Eberle's legendary last-second semifinal goal against Russia is etched in Canadian hockey lore.
Other Leafs have also reached the pinnacle. Max Domi was a central figure on Canada's 2015 gold-medal team, earning all-star honours. Jake McCabe captained the United States to gold in 2013, being named a tournament all-star. Goaltender Joseph Woll secured both gold (2017) and bronze (2018) medals with Team USA.
However, the tournament has also provided tough lessons. Morgan Rielly was part of a heavily favoured Canadian squad in 2013 that finished a disappointing fourth. Both Auston Matthews and William Nylander have only world junior bronze medals to their names (2016 and 2015, respectively), with Nylander missing the 2016 bronze game due to injury.
More recently, top prospect Easton Cowan experienced back-to-back fifth-place finishes with Canada in 2024 and 2025, a result that fell short of the nation's lofty expectations.
Looking to the Future
For Danford and Johansson, the world juniors represent a critical developmental step. The intense pressure and high-level competition serve as a proving ground for their NHL aspirations. Their performances in Minnesota will be closely monitored by Leafs management and fans eager to see the next wave of talent.
As the tournament unfolds, these two young defenders will not only be playing for their countries but also carrying the hopes of a franchise with a deep and complex history at the World Junior Championship. Their journey adds a new chapter to the Maple Leafs' ongoing story with this celebrated holiday hockey tradition.
