Ben Danford was drafted by the Leafs in June 31st overall. ELC term is based on age, so Danford's is three years.

Danford's total salary over the three years is $957,000, $960,000 and $975,000. This is less than the maximum allowed of $975,000 for the first two years and $1 million for the third. This is not penny-pinching on the Leafs part, but is forward planning for when he is likely to appear in the NHL. He would probably be on his second contract, and lower salaries now mean a lower Qualifying Offer when that negotiation happens.

Danford will remain in the OHL with the Oshawa Generals for at least two more years, and he will receive his signing bonus in both of those years while his contract "slides". If he enters the AHL at age 20, he will still have three years on this ELC and its AAV will be lower than currently listed since the salary averaging changes after each slide year. In other words, he will likely not need a second contract until 2029.

It's impossible to know the exact numbers for things like buriable contracts or the salary limit for emergency recall at the time Danford might be NHL-ready, since there will be a new CBA then, but ELC players benefit from having flexible, slightly lower salaries so they can get opportunities to play more easily.

Getting to Know Ben Danford
Looking at the scouting reports, highlights, and mechanics for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ newest top prospect, the right handed defenseman Ben Danford from the Oshawa Generals.
PPP LeafsBrian S
Maple Leafs Prospects