Minnesota Wild Hire Judd Brackett as Head of Amateur Scouting

Just two months after the NHL pause Guerin released two members of the Minnesota Wild’s scouting systems. Wild longtime scout Ernie Vargas and Darren Yopyk. Yopyk, the Wild’s co-director of amateur scouting was expected to be the man of the Wild’s 2020 draft, alongside PJ Fenton.

Vargas and Yopyk had worked for the Wild since 2011 under Chuck Fletcher, who signed them. They were both linked to being a big part of drafting one of the Wild’s top prospects, Adam Beckman. The 19-year old Cheifs forward led the WHL in goals with 48 and points with 107.

Although Brackett used to work for the Wild’s qualifying round opponent the Vancouver Canucks,  Wild GM Bill Guerin still signed such a gifted scout in Judd Brackett. After Brackett and the Canucks parted ways, Judd became available for any team’s GM to sign him on July 1st, a free agent so to speak.

Judd Brackett’s Scouting history

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The 43-year old spent 12 seasons with the Canucks, where he spent seven seasons as an amateur scout before being promoted to director of amateur scouting. His time in Vancouver was certainly spectacular, which made it very surprising to see him and the Canucks part ways.

Brackett is known for drafting players with elite skill and can translate their game in the NHL smoothly. Some notable players Judd drafted were, Minnesota native Brock Boeser, All-star Defender Quinn Hughes, and some prospects with massive upside in Vasily Podkolzin and Nils Höglander.

Also Elias Pettersson. Brackett was a massive part in Vancouver drafting all-star centerman Petterson. The 21-year old center has recorded the most goals out of the 2017 draft class wit

Despite playing 70 fewer games then Hischer, Pettersson has managed to record 132 points in 139 games played. The Swedish centerman plays an elite NHL game at both ends of the ice, making him a steal at pick number 5.

Minnesota Wild’s future going forward

I am extremely excited to see Brackett work his magic for the Wild and can’t wait to see the players he drafts. This upcoming draft is very deep and it’s expected that we will see the new director of amateur scouting Judd Brackett be in charge of who the Wild select.