Fun fact: Just call him a pioneer among Pioneers – when he made his debut in 2021, Danforth became the first product of Sacred Heart’s hockey program to make it to the NHL. He’s since been joined by Pittsburgh’s Marc Johnstone, and there could be more on the way as the university in Connecticut opened a $70 million arena last January.
Stat to Know: Just how unique was Danforth’s debut? Of the 133 players to make their NHL debuts with the Blue Jackets in franchise history, he was the third oldest at 28 years, 245 days, behind only Fredrik Norrena and Gregory Hofmann. Over the past five seasons, only six full-time players have been older at the time of their NHL debuts (seven if you count emergency goalie David Ayres).
Expectations for 2024-25: Danforth has spent the past three seasons establishing himself at the NHL level, and he’ll have to keep playing the same kind of high-energy game that got him to the top. In general, he’s a coach’s dream, a low-maintenance player who brings the same level of effort on a daily basis. Coaches also love his versatility, as he can play center and wing, slot up and down the lineup, and skate on both the power play and penalty kills when needed. He’ll be expected to bring all that again as well as chip in offense when the opportunity arises.