Signed as an undrafted free agent out of the KHL in 2021, Danforth was seen as a player who would compete for a roster spot but would likely see time between the NHL and AHL. However, three years into his time in North America, he has established himself as an NHL player.
This past season (2023-2024) was his third full season in the NHL. He had a career best 26 points and played in most of the games for the Blue Jackets (71 of 82).
For 2024-2025, expect Danforth to be a mainstay on the fourth line with occasional stints on the second or third line, should injuries occur. He will play in a lot of situations, but primarily will be focused on 5-on-5 and the penalty kill. He will be tasked with bringing a lot of energy to each game, while being one of the top forecheckers this upcoming season.
Danforth is signed through the 2024-2025 season at $1.1 million and then will be an unrestricted free agent next summer. Unless he has a big year, it is hard to imagine him being re-signed. The club has a lot of young talent coming and the team will try to do everything they can to find roster spots for the youth movement.
One bold prediction: Justin Danforth will score 15 goals for the team but then be traded at the trade deadline.
New head coach Dean Evason will love having Danforth on his team. A high energy guy who can play in all situations is exactly the type of player that fits Evason's system. Assuming he stays healthy, Danforth will likely play on the penalty kill, 5-on-5, and some light power play time. But the system and structure will lead Danforth to find the back of the net this season.
His success will be well-deserved but will likely result in his departure from Columbus at the trade deadline. He will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season and the team likely won’t retain him.
If he has a good season, teams will be calling about his availability due to his style of play (it’s very conducive for the playoffs). Furthermore, his low cap-hit will make him a more attractive player to acquire for teams that are strapped for cap space.