After missing significant time due to a concussion, the Maple Leafs have officially cut their top defensive prospect, Ben Danford, from training camp.

Danford, the 31st overall pick in the recent draft, suffered the injury during practice before the Rookie Showcase after a hit from camp invitee Marshall Finnie. Diagnosed with a concussion, Danford had been unable to participate in any of the Leafs’ training camp as he focused on his recovery.

Recently, Danford started skating in a non-contact red jersey and, prior to today’s practice, switched to a regular white jersey, signaling that he might be ready for game action.

However, Danford won’t be seeing any preseason play with the Maple Leafs, as he has been loaned to the Oshawa Generals of the OHL. While his return to the OHL for another season was anticipated, the good news is that the Leafs’ medical staff is confident enough in his recovery to send him back to junior play.

There had been hopes that he would be ready for training camp, but concussions can be unpredictable, with symptoms sometimes lingering or taking time to fully manifest.

Hopefully, Danford will rejoin full practices with the Generals soon, continue his development, and possibly challenge for a spot on Team Canada’s World Junior roster in December.

In his two OHL seasons, Danford has played 127 games, recording 5 goals and 54 points. Primarily known for his defensive skills, he had a breakout performance with 10 points in 21 playoff games last season and is expected to keep improving offensively without compromising his strong defensive play.