Every NHL scout has stories about promising prospects they championed, only to see them succeed with other teams. For Judd Brackett, these experiences shaped his approach as the Minnesota Wild`s director of amateur scouting.
Brackett`s early scouting days involved countless hours on the road, searching for players with NHL potential. He recalls one prospect with size, skill, skating ability, and scoring touch. Despite Brackett`s positive reports, a crossover scout saw the player on an off night and dismissed him. Brackett`s pleas for another look were ignored.
This decision haunted Brackett for over 15 years. The player, a later-round pick by another team, went on to win a Stanley Cup. This experience taught Brackett the importance of valuing every scout`s opinion, a principle he emphasizes in his current role.
“I always try to remember that even if I watch a player have a bad game, I need to call the area scout,” Brackett explains. “I ask them to remind me what they like about the player. If it was just one bad game, that`s understandable. But if a scout truly believes in a player, even if I didn`t see it initially, we need to find the right place for that player.”
Since Bill Guerin became the Wild`s general manager in 2019, the team has aimed for consistent playoff contention despite salary cap constraints. Their strategy involves leveraging young, affordable talent, making Brackett and his scouting team crucial.
Brackett`s impact is evident. Their first draft pick, Marco Rossi, has become a top-six center. The trade of Kevin Fiala, guided by Brackett`s insights, brought in Brock Faber, a franchise defenseman, and Liam Ohgren, a promising forward prospect.
With Brackett`s foundation and upcoming cap space, the Wild are positioned for significant moves. Guerin emphasizes Brackett`s critical role: “Judd is essential to our success. His work and leadership in drafting are invaluable, especially with our cap challenges.”
Drafting Success in the Central Division
The Central Division is known for its competitiveness. Rivals like the Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues, and Winnipeg Jets rely heavily on drafted talent. The Colorado Avalanche, another divisional power, also built their Stanley Cup-winning team with a strong homegrown core.
The Wild currently have fewer homegrown players, highlighting the importance of Brackett`s work in developing future talent for both short-term and long-term success.
“I trust Judd completely,” Guerin jokes. “He has a knack for this. We involve him in all player decisions, even veterans. We always consult his draft-year evaluations for insights into a player`s character and potential.”
Easing salary cap pressures from previous buyouts will provide the Wild with more financial flexibility, making Brackett`s talent development even more critical.
The 2020 NHL draft exemplifies Brackett`s success. First-rounder Rossi, second-rounder Marat Khusnutdinov, and third-rounder Daemon Hunt have all contributed to the team or been valuable trade assets.
Faber, Ohgren, Khusnutdinov, and Rossi collectively played 227 games this season at a very affordable cost. Another prospect, Zeev Buium, a highly-regarded defenseman, recently joined the team, further showcasing the strength of the Wild`s prospect pool.
Brackett emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation in trades, requiring deep knowledge of numerous prospects. “Trades can happen quickly,” he says. “You need to be ready to discuss any player at a moment`s notice, outlining their strengths and weaknesses.”
The Player Who Inspired a Scout
Brackett`s scouting journey began with Marty Reasoner, a player he faced in high school. Reasoner`s skill and hockey sense impressed Brackett and became a benchmark for player evaluation.
Brackett`s early scouting career included roles with the Gatineau Olympiques and Indiana Ice, where he contributed to team success and drafted numerous future NHL players. He later joined the Vancouver Canucks, playing a key role in drafting stars like Brock Boeser, Quinn Hughes, and Elias Pettersson before joining the Wild in 2020.
“Bill and I have a very honest and unbiased approach to player evaluation,” Brackett says.
With improved cap flexibility on the horizon, thanks to expiring buyout penalties, the Wild are well-positioned to build on their scouting success. They have significant cap space and a strong prospect system, allowing them to strategically address roster needs.
Guerin concludes, “Having Judd is a real advantage. I have complete trust in his judgment. When we traded for David Jiricek, Judd was the first to say, `Go for it, don`t worry about the draft pick.` That shows his confidence and belief in his work.”
