Breaking News: Maple Leafs Hire Judd Brackett

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced more changes to their front office on Monday morning. According to hockey insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the Maple Leafs were permitted over the weekend to speak with Judd Brackett. Brackett was the Director of Amateur Scouting for the Minnesota Wild since 2020-21.

On Monday morning, the Maple Leafs announced the hiring of Brackett as Assistant General Manager. He will be in charge of player evaluation. Toronto also announced the hiring of Freddie Hamilton as Chief of Staff on Monday. Hamilton is a former NHLer and is the brother of New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton.

With the NHL draft combine happening this week, and the NHL Draft on June 26th and 27th, Toronto GM John Chayka, and Executive Advisor to Hockey Operations, Mats Sundin, wanted to get their front office staff in order ahead of time.

The Maple Leafs director of amateur scouting, Mark Leach, is overseeing this year’s draft for the team. Toronto won the first overall pick through the NHL Draft Lottery and is expected to select forward Gavin McKenna from Penn State with the first selection.

Maple Leafs New Hires

Judd Brackett is a 49-year-old native of Massachusetts. He will oversee player evaluation across amateur and professional scouting. Brackett has an extensive background in scouting. He’s worked with the Minnesota Wild and Vancouver Canucks as the Director of Amateur Scouting. Brackett has also worked the past three World Junior Championships as a scout with USA Hockey.

“We are thrilled to welcome Judd to our organization,” Chayka, the Leafs GM, said in a statement. “He has established one of the strongest amateur scouting and drafting track records in the NHL and has demonstrated an ability to adapt and evolve his approach as the game changes.”

Freddie Hamilton is a 34-year-old native of Toronto. He will support strategic planning and cross-functional initiatives across the hockey operations department. After a 75-game NHL playing career ended in 2017-18 with the Arizona Coyotes, (with Chayka was GM) Hamilton went on to earn his MBA from Yale University before working in private equity.

“We are excited to add Freddie to our hockey operations department,” said Chayka. “Throughout his playing career, Freddie distinguished himself through his character, professionalism, and work ethic. His diverse background and collaborative approach will make him a valuable addition to our group as we execute key strategic initiatives and strengthen alignment across our hockey operations department.”

These new hires come two weeks after the Maple Leafs announced that assistant general manager Brandon Pridham and AGM, player personnel Derek Clancey, were leaving the organization.