The Toronto Maple Leafs have put pen to paper on an agreement with their top selection from the 2024 NHL Draft.

Ben Danford committed to a three-year entry-level contract Friday.

The franchise selected Oshawa Generals defenceman Ben Danford with their 31st-overall pick, acquired in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks in return for the 23rd pick. Toronto also gained pick No. 58 in the transaction.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound defenceman played in 64 games for the Generals last season, scoring one goal and 33 points, adding four more goals and 10 points in 21 playoff games.

A Madoc, Ont. native, Danford is relishing the opportunity to play for his childhood team.

“It’s super special,” Danford stated after being selected. “Growing up, I’ve been a lifelong, die-hard Leafs fan, and to get drafted by them, it means that much more, so I can’t wait to get started.”

Danford used the chance to remind the Maple Leafs fan base what they can anticipate from their new prospect.

“I think the main thing is just a competitive guy,” he added. “A guy that does anything for the team to win: block shots, can play a two-way game, defence-first, and can contribute offensively as well.”

Danford is the first defenceman the Maple Leafs have picked in the first round since Rasmus Sandin in 2018.

Danford was the 69th-ranked prospect in Jason Bukala’s pre-draft rankings.

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