The first round of the draft is officially in the books and the Toronto Maple Leafs decided to select Ben Danford at the 31st overall pick.
Brad Treliving agreed on the terms of a trade earlier in the first round. They gave their 23rd overall pick to the Anaheim Ducks in return for the 31st and 50th picks.
In breaking news, the Maple Leafs decided to go with Ben Danford at the 31st overall pick.
"Maple Leafs select defenceman Ben Danford with 31st pick."
Danford revealed in an interview after being drafted that he's been a Leafs fan all his life:
"Growing up, I've been a lifelong diehard Leafs fan. To get drafted by them means that much more."
"Toronto Maple Leafs take a swing at Ben Danford. Danford impressed many with his maturity and composure despite a very tough role as the #1 D on the OHL Championship Finalists in Oshawa. A very mature and mobile defender who must work on his play with the puck on his stick."
"Leafs take Ben Danford, a smooth defender with rush-stopping skills, high-end retrievals, and a sneaky-good physical game.
Much better with the puck than the points suggest. He has plenty of playmaking skill and flashes some ability to manipulate defenders."