Maple Leafs add Judd Brackett and Freddie Hamilton to Hockey Operations Department | Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced today that the hockey club has appointed Judd Brackett as Assistant General Manager, Player Evaluation, and Freddie Hamilton as Chief of Staff. Brackett will oversee player evaluation across both amateur and professional scouting. Brackett, 49, spent five seasons with the Minnesota Wild as Director
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The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced today that the hockey club has appointed Judd Brackett as Assistant General Manager, Player Evaluation, and Freddie Hamilton as Chief of Staff.
Brackett will oversee player evaluation across both amateur and professional scouting.
As Chief of Staff, Hamilton will support strategic planning and cross-functional initiatives across the hockey operations department while working closely with the club’s leadership group. The 34-year-old was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the fifth round (129th overall) of the 2010 NHL Draft. He played 75 NHL regular-season games with San Jose, Colorado, Calgary, and Arizona. Following his retirement, Hamilton earned his MBA from Yale University before gaining experience in private equity with Bolt Ventures.
“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. Since retiring, he has built an impressive career in business and finance, gaining valuable experience across investing, strategy and organizational leadership. 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.”

Freddie Hamilton actually finished his professional career in Arizona when Chayka was GM. He is from Toronto, and played OHL hockey with the IceDogs. He attended Brock University part time while in the OHL. Hamilton is from an athletic family, both parents were Canadian Olympians. His brother has something to do with sports too.

Earlier today Sportsnet reported that the Leafs have permission to interview Judd Brackett, the Minnesota Wild's Director of Amateur Scouting who is said to be leaving for a new job.

It appears other teams also may have interviewed him, so this is not (yet) a done deal.

Brackett is 49, originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and began his professional career as a US scout for the Gatineau Olympiques after playing college hockey. He was a goalie, and did a degree in sociology while at Connecticut College.

He was a scout for the Canucks, eventually becoming their Director of Amateur Scouting for many years before moving to the same position with the Wild. For the last three years he has also been acting as a scout for the USA WJC team. While with the Canucks, he also ran the Indiana Ice of the USHL.

Two very different views of Brackett:

The Wild's secret weapon won't play a minute this season

From ESPN last spring, and the fan view from the same time period:

Are Bill Guerin and Judd Brackett On the Same Page?
For five years, the Minnesota Wild have trusted their director of amateur scouting, Judd Brackett, to stockpile young talent. However, anyone who follows the team closely has to wonder if general manager Bill Guerin believes in any of Brackett’s picks. The Wild will flip prospects who Brackett an…
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