Most players that don’t see NHL action by their mid-20s will likely never do so. Not Justin Danforth. He slowly worked his way through the ranks for the NCAA, ECHL, AHL, and even Europe before finally making the NHL at age 28. Not only did he finally make it, but he was an NHL regular by the time the season was over and earned himself a contract extension.
Danforth’s speed, tenacity, and willingness to play in the dirty areas proved valuable for the Blue Jackets this season. He scored 10 goals and played at a 25 point pace - pretty good for a fourth liner.