TORONTO — Ben Danford would be hard pressed to choose a better mentor as a big, rugged, stay-at-home, Ontario-born defenceman out to kill penalties, lead in the room, and shut down the opposition’s most frightening threats.

So, it makes a world of sense that the top blueline prospect in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ system has been busying picking the brain of the recently retired Jake Muzzin during Danford’s first full, concussion-free NHL training camp.

“He’s a younger guy. We’re really comfortable with each other. We have a great relationship. I mean, he knows his stuff,” the 19-year-old Danford says. “He’s taught me what’s gonna make me good, starting now in junior to make sure I’m ready for the next level.

“You know, we chat a lot.”

In his head-turning pre-season appearances, the pride

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