It's a neat moment for both Danforth and the school in Fairfield, Conn., but of course he's more excited about the personal accomplishment.
"Obviously it's huge to be just called up in the first place, but to be put in the lineup in a big game, obviously first game of my career, so the nerves are definitely coming up and I'm getting a lot of texts and stuff like that," Danforth said Monday after morning skate. "It's gonna be a fun night. I just have to make the most of it and make the most of the experience."
The Oshawa, Ont., native said the first phone call went to his father, but unfortunately, no family will be able to make it in time for the debut. It's a nice culmination for a long road, though, as after a four-year career with the Pioneers, he spent a full season largely with Cincinnati of the ECHL in 2017-18 before going overseas.
He's been a point producer in past seasons, racking up a line of 45-67-112 in 115 games over two seasons with Lukko of Finland's Liiga then 23 goals and 55 points last year in 58 games with Vityaz of the KHL.
One of the last cuts of camp, Danforth has skated in eight games with Cleveland of the AHL, posting two goals and three assists.
"He was most deserving," head coach Brad Larsen said. "I don't know a lot about him other than camp, and I thought he had an average camp and he admitted to that, too. It's been a while since he's been there. He's excited. This is going to be his first NHL game, and anybody who has put a sweater on for a first NHL game, I don't care what age you are, there's gonna be butterflies and excitement. That's what I want. I want that energy from him. He's a hard-working guy. I think he's a tenacious player and I want to see that tonight."
Danforth doesn't bring a ton of size at 5-9, 180, but he wasn't afraid to make a play in camp and has some skill to go with the energy he brings. The biggest transition from Europe in his return to North America has been the rink size and switching from center to wing, things he worked on with the Monsters.
"I think the way I play at this level, I'm an energy guy that can make the most out of an opportunity," he said. "I find that I am a smaller guy, but I play pretty physical and play hard on pucks. Just try to do anything to get the guys going on the bench and some energy in the group and do what I can."
Columbus will also see the return of young defenseman Adam Boqvist to the lineup, as the 21-year-old acquired from Chicago this offseason has missed the last seven games with a lower-body injury.
