The Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) have made a significant trade with the Oshawa Generals. They have acquired Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford along with defenceman Zackary Sandhu. This transaction occurred on Thursday and marks a pivotal moment for the Bulldogs.
Key Details of the Trade
In exchange for Danford and Sandhu, the Bulldogs have sent several players and a substantial number of draft picks to Oshawa. The specifics of the deal include:
- Aiden O’Donnell (forward)
- Lucas Moore (defenceman)
- Luca Diplacido (defenceman)
- Nine OHL draft picks
The draft picks consist of:
- Three second-round picks (2026-2028)
- Three third-round picks (2028, two in 2029)
- Two fourth-round picks (2026, 2029)
- One 10th-round pick (2027)
Insight from Bulldogs’ Management
Spencer Hyman, the Bulldogs’ general manager, expressed enthusiasm about the new acquisitions. He stated that both players have been closely monitored over the last two seasons, highlighting their contributions in playoff battles.
“We’re extremely excited to acquire Ben Danford and Zach Sandhu,” Hyman remarked. “Both players have reached back-to-back OHL Finals, demonstrating their championship mindset.”
Player Profiles
Ben Danford, a 19-year-old defenceman, was drafted 31st overall by the Maple Leafs in 2024. He was chosen by Oshawa with the No. 14 pick in the 2022 OHL Draft. This season, Danford has recorded one goal and three assists in eight games.
Zackary Sandhu, also 19, has notched five assists in 11 appearances with the Generals this season, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively.
Impact on the Bulldogs’ Defense
The addition of Danford and Sandhu is expected to enhance Brantford’s defensive capabilities significantly. Hyman noted that Danford is recognized as one of the top defencemen in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), while Sandhu possesses a strong defensive presence.
“Their addition gives our blue line the ability to play bigger and adapt to any style needed to win games,” Hyman concluded, emphasizing the impact these players will have as they integrate into the Bulldogs’ strategy.
