The Toronto Maple Leafs opted against recalling top prospect Ben Danford amid a series of blue-line injuries, choosing instead to promote Dakota Mermis and Cole McWard from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies to preserve the 20-year-old’s long-term development.
Blue-Line Injuries and the Push for Ben Danford
Toronto entered a stretch of the schedule missing Chris Tanev on the backend. Matters worsened when the organization placed both Nick Blankenburg and Marshall Rifai on the injured reserve list on Friday. With defensive depth tested, supporters urged the club to promote Danford, who entered the organization as the 31st overall selection in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Jim Hiller says Leafs considered calling up 20-year-old Ben Danford with all the injuries on defence, but … "The one mistake you can make is maybe trying to rush people. We have good options"@TSN_Sports
Yet, the coaching staff resisted the external pressure. Head coach Jim Hiller addressed the decision directly from the club’s practice facility, pointing to the unique developmental arc required for young blue-liners compared to forwards. “The one mistake you can make is maybe trying to rush people. We have good options,” Hiller stated.
Hiller acknowledged that management actively weighed the possibility of calling up the young defender. Ultimately, leadership concluded that keeping Danford with the Marlies—where he has logged three assists across six appearances this season—serves his professional growth better than an emergency NHL stint.
Veteran Experience Wins the Call
To fill the active roster gaps without exposing their top defensive prospect to premature minutes, Toronto turned to organizational depth. The club recalled both Mermis and McWard from the AHL.
Mermis brings experience to the Maple Leafs locker room, having logged 89 career NHL appearances since making his league debut during the 2017-18 season. Hiller highlighted that background when explaining the promotion. “It’s easier for him that’s for sure… mature strong player, he’s NHL ready,” Hiller said.
McWard adds further cover, having skated in nine career NHL contests, which includes three games with the New York Islanders last season.
| Player | Position | Current Team | Relevant Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Danford | Defenseman | Toronto Marlies (AHL) | 3 assists in 6 games |
| Dakota Mermis | Defenseman | Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) | 89 career NHL games |
| Cole McWard | Defenseman | Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) | 9 career NHL games |
Preparing for the Edmonton Test
The roster decisions arrive as the Maple Leafs prepare for a road matchup against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. Toronto carries a 6-4-2 record into the Alberta capital, where they must confront Oilers forward Connor McDavid.
Jim Hiller on the Leafs calling up Dakota Mermis: “It’s easier for him that’s for sure… mature strong player, he’s NHL ready”On considering Ben Danford: “The one mistake you can make is trying to rush people. We’ve got good options. He was considered.”
Speaking to reporters before the team’s departure, Auston Matthews addressed the challenge of containing the forward. “I mean, I don’t think it’s really too surprising,” Matthews said. “I think since he came into the league, he’s been the standard. He’s obviously a fantastic player — not too many people in history have done what he’s continued to do.”
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