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Ben Danford’s Quiet Playoff Rise | NHL News
Ben Danford, a 19-year-old defenseman straight out of junior hockey, stunned observers by stepping into the Toronto Marlies’ playoff lineup and excelling without panic or mistakes. His strength? Smart, calm puck handling—slowing the game, making safe passes, and confidently carrying the puck to create space. He played alongside veterans and looked like a seasoned pro, even drawing comparisons to a younger Morgan Rielly for his poise under pressure. While not a flashy scorer, his skating and vision could evolve into a steady 30-40 assist season. Drafted 31st overall, the Leafs clearly saw his…
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