Report: Wild’s director of amateur scouting Judd Brackett leaves team

The Minnesota Wild look to be losing one of the most highly-regarded scouts in hockey, as the team’s director of amateur scouting, Judd Brackett, appears set to leave the role, according to a report from The Athletic. 

Brackett, who has been with the Wild for nearly six years, will instead join another organization, likely in an elevated role as an assistant general manager. According to the report, both the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks, the latter of which was last with Bracket, would be the leading interested parties. 

Both Canadian teams are under new management heading into the 2026-27 season, and both have high picks in the upcoming NHL Draft, with Toronto poised to select star Penn State forward Gavin McKenna first overall, and the Canucks choosing soon after at No. 3. 

Previously, Brackett had been instrumental in building out Vancouver’s prospect pool and could be seen as a key piece to reintroduce by new general manager Ryan Johnson and co-presidents of hockey operations, Henrik and Daniel Sedin. The Maple Leafs, meanwhile, are seeking a new direction under general manager John Chayka and senior advisor Mats Sundin. ‘

In recent seasons with the Wild, the 49-year-old made seven first-round picks, including Marco Rossi, Jesper Wallstedt, Carson Lambos, Liam Ohgren, Danila Yurov, Charlie Stramel and Zeev Buium, most of whom became key pieces, valuable chips in acquiring Quinn Hughes, who he picked in Vancouver or are on promising pathways. 

In Vancouver, he was responsible for Elias Pettersson and Hughes in the first round, among other players who have blossomed into NHL regulars, such as now-Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Arturs Silovs in the sixth round, and each of the Edmonton Oilers’ Vasily Podkolzin and the Canucks’ Nils Höglander. 

Wherever he lands, Brackett will be a major addition to any front office staff, and he will hope his next job lays the groundwork for his first Stanley Cup as an executive.