Every NHL scout has stories about promising prospects they championed, only to see them thrive with other teams. For Judd Brackett, these experiences shaped his approach as the Minnesota Wild`s director of amateur scouting. His insights are crucial to building one of the NHL`s most robust farm systems, a key element in the Wild`s long-term Stanley Cup aspirations.
Brackett`s early scouting days involved countless miles on the road, searching for players with NHL potential. He once identified a standout two-way player with size, skill, skating ability, and scoring touch. However, a cross-over scout witnessed the prospect`s worst game, leading to initial dismissal. Brackett`s persistence in ensuring every scout`s voice is heard stems from this experience.
He recalls being haunted by a missed opportunity over 15 years ago – a later-round pick who won a Stanley Cup elsewhere. This taught him the importance of valuing every scout`s opinion. Brackett emphasizes communication, ensuring scouts are heard even if a player has an off game, seeking their in-depth perspectives to avoid overlooking talent.
Since Bill Guerin became the Wild`s general manager in 2019, the team has aimed for consistent playoff contention despite salary cap constraints. Brackett and his team are vital in navigating these challenges by identifying young, affordable talent. Despite working behind the scenes, Brackett`s impact is evident.
Drafting Marco Rossi in 2020-21, who became a top-six center, and advising on the Kevin Fiala trade that brought Brock Faber and Liam Ohgren, highlight Brackett`s strategic contributions. These moves demonstrate how Brackett`s scouting foundation positions the Wild for future success, especially with upcoming cap space.
Guerin emphasizes Brackett`s critical role, praising his leadership and the value he and his staff bring to the organization, particularly in managing cap limitations. Brackett`s department is central to drafting and player evaluation, earning Guerin`s complete trust.
The Central Division is highly competitive, with many rivals relying on draft-built teams. Teams like Dallas, St. Louis, and Winnipeg have numerous drafted or signed players. Colorado`s 2022 Stanley Cup team was also built on homegrown talent. For the Wild, developing internal talent is essential, making Brackett`s work even more critical for both immediate and long-term success.
Guerin jokingly acknowledges Brackett`s effectiveness, emphasizing his deep understanding and trustworthiness. Brackett is involved in player evaluations at all stages, from development camps to trade deadlines, providing crucial insights into player character and potential, even for established NHL players.
Maintaining pace with divisional rivals and future financial flexibility post-buyouts are key for the Wild. The buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, initially saving cap space, later became significant financial burdens. This situation underscored the necessity of cost-effective, impactful talent, precisely what Brackett`s scouting delivers.
Brackett`s 2020 draft class exemplifies his impact. Rossi, Khusnutdinov (later traded), and Hunt (involved in the Jiricek trade) demonstrate strategic drafting. Faber and Ohgren, also products of Brackett`s insights, played significant roles this season. This quartet played 227 games at a combined cost of $3.6 million, showcasing the value of Brackett`s talent identification.
The Wild`s prospect pool may further contribute with Zeev Buium, a highly-regarded defenseman from the 2024 draft. Guerin prioritized drafting Buium, who has now joined the team after a successful college season. Buium`s accolades and offensive capabilities add to the Wild`s promising future.
Brackett highlights the dynamic nature of trades, requiring readiness to evaluate multiple player options quickly. He and his staff must be prepared to provide detailed player assessments on short notice, covering both pros and cons, for potential trades or acquisitions.
Beyond cautionary tales, Brackett`s career includes success stories like Marty Reasoner, who inspired Brackett`s scouting path. Observing Reasoner`s vision and talent influenced Brackett`s player evaluations. His early scouting roles with Gatineau and Indiana Ice, where he helped develop numerous NHL players, honed his expertise. His tenure with the Canucks further solidified his reputation, contributing to drafting key players like Boeser, Hughes, and Pettersson before joining the Wild in 2020.
Brackett emphasizes his honest, unbiased evaluation approach with Guerin, fostering a strong working relationship built on trust. With the Parise-Suter buyouts easing, the Wild anticipate greater financial flexibility and the opportunity to leverage their strengthened farm system. Key player contracts and potential free agency decisions loom, but Brackett`s talent pipeline provides a crucial advantage.
Guerin reiterates his trust in Brackett, highlighting Brackett`s confidence and contribution to acquiring valuable prospects like Jiricek. This trust underscores Brackett`s essential role in the Wild`s strategy and future success.
