Maple Leafs ink 1st-round pick Ben Danford to ELC

Field Level Media|published: 08/02/2024, 2:27pm EDT

Jun 28, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Ben Danford is selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs with the 31st overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft at The Sphere. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Ben Danford signed a three-year, entry-level contract on Friday.

Danford, 18, was selected by the Maple Leafs with the 31st overall pick of the 2024 NHL Draft.

"I am honored to sign my first NHL contract with the Maple Leafs," Danford wrote on Instagram. "Thank you to everyone who helped me along the way."

Danford recorded 33 points (one goal, 32 assists) in 64 games last season with the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League. The 6-foot-1 Ontario native added 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 21 playoff games to help the club reach the championship series of the playoffs.

Danford notched 54 points (five goals, 49 assists) in 127 career games with the Generals.

--Field Level Media