A Deep Dive into the Upcoming 2023 NHL Draft

2023 NHL Draft: The Minnesota Wild’s War Room

On the eve of the 2023 NHL Draft, the Minnesota Wild’s Director of Amateur Scouting, Judd Brackett, and his staff gather in a conference room to discuss their draft list. As they go through the list of names, it becomes clear that the Wild’s approach to scouting and drafting players is unique. The team values specific traits such as grit and determination over pure skill, resulting in a list that may differ from other teams.

A Clear Identity

The Wild’s draft list reflects the organization’s specific requirements for all their players, regardless of the level they are playing at. From major junior to college, European leagues, the American Hockey League, and the NHL, the team looks for players who fit their identity and style of play. This means that highly skilled players may not be found on the Wild’s list if they don’t align with what the team is looking for. Brackett explains, “Our job as scouts is to do what our boss tells us to do. If grit and determination are valued over speed, that is reflected in our draft.”

The Seriousness of the Task at Hand

As the draft approaches, the Wild’s staff is divided into pro scouts and amateur scouts and development staff. General Manager Bill Guerin addresses the group, expressing gratitude for their hard work leading up to the draft. He emphasizes the importance of their task and the potential for the choices they make to impact the team’s future success, including the possibility of winning the Stanley Cup. The Wild enters the draft with several picks, including the 21st overall pick.

The Role of Judd Brackett

While Guerin has the final say in any potential trade discussions, Brackett is largely responsible for the draft decisions. The focus is primarily on the first round, and the group discusses possible scenarios for selecting players higher up on their list or potentially trading up in the draft. The cost of moving up is carefully considered, including offering some of the Wild’s second-round picks as part of a package. The fluid nature of the draft means exploring multiple options and being prepared for different scenarios.

The Importance of Character

The Wild places a strong emphasis on character when evaluating potential draft picks. Aaron Bogosian, who has been hired to assess player character, leads the discussion and questioning of players who weren’t present at the Draft Combine. The purpose is to gauge the players’ self-awareness, resilience, and ability to overcome challenges. Brackett explains, “We do put an emphasis on character. We think it’s a good barometer for future development and success.”

The Value of Judd Brackett

Guerin had not previously worked with Brackett but recognized his expertise and hired him as the Director of Amateur Scouting. Guerin praises Brackett’s organizational skills, honesty, and work ethic. He trusts Brackett and his staff to run the draft effectively. Brackett recalls his first draft vividly and acknowledges the significance of the event in shaping the future of the league. This year’s draft in Nashville will be his fourth as the Wild’s Director of Amateur Scouting.

The Importance of Drafting and Development

Scouting and drafting young NHL players have become increasingly important, especially with the recent flattening of the salary cap due to the pandemic. Teams that cannot develop their own talent are forced to rely on trades and free agency to build a competitive roster, which is not a sustainable strategy. The Wild face unique challenges with substantial cap penalties resulting from buying out veterans Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. Despite these restrictions, Guerin stresses the importance of following their process and taking the best player available instead of rushing for immediate help.

The Final Moments Before the Draft

The morning meeting concludes with video presentations of players the staff is interested in and finalizing plans for team activities. Brackett and his colleagues continue to discuss various scenarios, emphasizing the need to follow through and execute their decisions on draft day. The collaborative effort involves conversations between the scouting staff, Guerin, and other key members of the organization. The excitement of the draft is palpable, as the team prepares to add promising players to their roster.

Editorial: The Philosophy of Drafting

The Minnesota Wild’s approach to the NHL draft raises interesting philosophical questions about the nature of scouting and player evaluation. While many teams prioritize pure skill and talent, the Wild value intangible qualities such as grit and determination. This begs the question: What truly makes a successful hockey player?

The emphasis on character highlights the Wild’s belief that a player’s mindset and work ethic are essential for their long-term development and success. By focusing on players who possess these qualities, the team hopes to build a roster that thrives both on and off the ice.

However, this philosophy raises concerns about potential missed opportunities. While skilled players may not fit the Wild’s mold, they could still contribute to the team in significant ways. The question becomes whether the team’s specific identity should outweigh the potential contributions of highly skilled players.

In the end, the Wild’s approach may be viewed as a calculated risk. By prioritizing character and specific traits, they aim to create a cohesive team that embodies a particular style of play. Whether this approach leads to championship success remains to be seen.

Advice for the Future

The Minnesota Wild’s strategy in the NHL draft serves as a valuable lesson for other teams and aspiring scouts. It emphasizes the importance of having a defined identity and sticking to it, even if it means passing on highly skilled players. Teams should carefully consider the qualities they value most in their players and focus on finding prospects who align with those values.

Additionally, the emphasis on character evaluation highlights the significance of intangible qualities in a player’s development. Future organizations should consider incorporating similar assessments into their scouting process to gain a deeper understanding of a player’s potential.

Lastly, the Wild’s philosophy serves as a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to scouting and drafting players. Each team must evaluate what they prioritize and believe in, and make decisions based on their unique goals and objectives.

In the end, the success or failure of the Wild’s draft strategy will be determined by the performance of the players they select. Only time will tell if their emphasis on character and specific traits will pay off in the pursuit of a Stanley Cup.