Toronto Maple Leafs add Judd Brackett and Freddie Hamilton to hockey operations
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Maple Leafs add Judd Brackett and Freddie Hamilton to Hockey Operations Department
Maple Leafs bolster hockey operations
The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced significant additions to their hockey operations department, appointing Judd Brackett as Assistant General Manager, Player Evaluation, and Freddie Hamilton as Chief of Staff. These appointments are part of an ongoing restructuring within the organization under new leadership.
John Chayka, the new General Manager for the Maple Leafs, expressed enthusiasm for both hires. He highlighted Brackett’s strong track record in amateur scouting and drafting, noting his ability to adapt his approach as the game evolves. Chayka also emphasized Hamilton’s character, professionalism, and diverse background in business and finance as valuable assets for the club’s strategic initiatives.
Brackett to oversee player evaluation
Judd Brackett, 49, will be responsible for overseeing player evaluation across both amateur and professional scouting for the Maple Leafs. His role will involve integrating traditional scouting methods with video analysis and data-driven insights to enhance the team’s decision-making processes. This move is expected to strengthen the club’s approach to identifying and developing talent.
Before joining Toronto, Brackett spent five seasons as the Director of Amateur Scouting for the Minnesota Wild. During his tenure with the Wild, he made seven first-round picks, including players such as Marco Rossi, Jesper Wallstedt, and Danila Yurov. Many of these selections have become key pieces for the Wild or valuable assets in trades.
Prior to his time with the Wild, Brackett spent 12 seasons with the Vancouver Canucks. He initially served as an amateur scout before being promoted to Director of Amateur Scouting for five seasons. While with the Canucks, he was instrumental in building their prospect pool, notably selecting Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes in the first round. Other players he drafted who later became NHL regulars include Arturs Silovs, Vasily Podkolzin, and Nils Höglander.
Brackett also contributed to Team USA at the last three IIHF World Junior Championships, further solidifying his experience in evaluating young talent on an international stage. His extensive background in scouting and player development is seen as a major addition to the Maple Leafs‘ front office staff.
Hamilton to support strategic planning
Freddie Hamilton, 34, steps into the role of Chief of Staff, where he will be tasked with supporting strategic planning and cross-functional initiatives within the hockey operations department. He will work closely with the club’s leadership group to ensure alignment and execution of key objectives. This position leverages his experience beyond his playing career.
Hamilton was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the fifth round, 129th overall, of the 2010 NHL Draft. He played 75 regular-season games in the NHL, making appearances for the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, and Arizona Coyotes. His playing career provided him with firsthand knowledge of the professional hockey environment.
Following his retirement from professional hockey, Hamilton pursued further education, earning an MBA from Yale University. He then gained experience in the private equity sector with Bolt Ventures. His background in business and finance is expected to bring a new perspective to the Maple Leafs‘ strategic operations.
These hires are the latest in a series of changes for the Maple Leafs. John Chayka was brought in last month as General Manager, alongside Mats Sundin as Senior Executive Advisor, Hockey Operations, as part of an organizational overhaul. The team also dismissed head coach Craig Berube last month following the 2025-26 season. The Maple Leafs currently hold the first overall pick in this month’s NHL draft after winning the draft lottery.
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