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

(Photo 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 (on