Overview
- Reports say the Maple Leafs were granted permission to speak with Minnesota Wild director of amateur scouting Judd Brackett on May 31, 2026, and he is widely expected to leave the Wild for an elevated role though no hire has been announced.
- Brackett built his reputation running Minnesota’s last five drafts and previously served as Vancouver’s director of amateur scouting and a long‑time amateur scout for the Canucks.
- Sources note Brackett is in the final year of his contract with the Wild, a status that has created a competitive market with other teams, including the Vancouver Canucks, showing interest in him.
- Toronto general manager John Chayka and senior advisor Mats Sundin have been holding draft meetings and are working to complete their management and scouting group before the draft, when the Leafs hold the first overall pick.
- If hired, Brackett would shape Toronto’s draft evaluations and roster retooling decisions in the coming weeks, so the next developments to watch are whether the Leafs finalize a deal and how that influences their choice at No. 1.