Blue-line blue-chippers

Leats have three interesting prospects in Danford, Webber and Johansson

- KEVIN MCGRAN

Victor Johansson, left, and Cade Webber, go up against each other at the Maple Leafs development camp. Johansson was a fourth-round draft pick, while Webber was acquired in a trade with Carolina.

Defenceman Cade Webber has the size and physicality of a prospect nearly ready for the Maple Leafs.

Ben Danford has the skill set of a can’t-miss prospect worthy of being a first-round pick.

And Victor Johansson has the promise of being a long shot, an out-of-nowhere player the Leafs’ amateur scouting staff has become famous for finding.

The three are among a group of 15 defenceman at the Leafs development camp this week at the Ford Performance Centre, each at different levels on the development curve.

Webber is closest to being NHL ready. He’s 23, six-foot-six, and 194 pounds. He signed with the Leafs after four years at Boston University, after they traded for his rights from Carolina. He joined the team right away and worked out with the club through the playoffs.