The Minnesota Wild hired Chris MacKinnon as part of a broader front office and player development restructuring, according to an organizational announcement. MacKinnon joins Minnesota after spending the last 10 seasons in the New Jersey Devils organization, bringing extensive scouting and hockey operations experience to the franchise.
Front Office Restructuring and MacKinnon’s Background
During his tenure with the New Jersey Devils from 2019 to 2026, MacKinnon served as the Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager. Prior to that role, he worked as the Senior Director of Player Personnel for the club from 2016 to 2019, according to the team. During his time in New Jersey, he helped revitalize the team’s scouting department, a department that earned recognition from The Hockey News in 2023 for having the deepest U23 prospect pool in the NHL.
MacKinnon’s NHL front office resume also includes 10 years in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization. According to team records, he served as Head Professional Scout from 2006 to 2016, Director of Professional Scouting from 2006 to 2009, and Director of Player Personnel from 2009 to 2016. During his tenure in Pittsburgh, the Penguins reached the Stanley Cup Finals three times—(2008-09, 2016)—winning the championship in 2009 and 2016.
Before his stint in Pittsburgh, MacKinnon spent six seasons with the Nashville Predators as a Scouting Coordinator from 2000 to 2002 and a Pro Scout from 2002 to 2006. Prior to breaking into the NHL, he spent one season during 1999–2000 as the Hockey Operations Manager for the Mississauga Ice Dogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). MacKinnon is a graduate of the University of Waterloo, where he played two seasons from 1996 to 1998, collecting 15 points on six goals and nine assists in 43 games.
Additions to Scouting and Operations Staff
In addition to MacKinnon, the Wild added Sebastian Beichler to the organization. Beichler spent the 2025–26 season serving as the Director of European Scouting at Elite Prospects, according to the announcement. Residing in Dusseldorf, Germany, Beichler brings international evaluation experience that includes seven years as a European Scout for the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League (WHL) from 2019 to 2026 and three years as a European Scout at FCHockey from 2016 to 2019.
The Wild also added Rachel Hudson to the operational side of the franchise. A graduate of Wilkes University, Hudson spent two seasons with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League (AHL) working as an Administrative Coordinator and Manager of Team Operations from 2022 to 2024. Her background also includes time as a personal figure skating coach and an Occupational Therapy Coordinator with Twin Cities Orthopedics.
Goligoski Transitions to Coaching Role
Alex Goligoski enters his first season as a Player Development Coach for Minnesota after being promoted from his role as Player Development Advisor last season, according to the club. In his capacity on the player development staff, Goligoski works closely with defensemen in the organization to help continue their development.
Goligoski played 17 seasons in the NHL, including the final three with the Wild from 2021 to 2024. Over his lengthy career, he registered 475 points, including 87 goals and 388 assists, along with 26 power-play goals and a plus-55 rating across 1,078 career games with Pittsburgh (2007–11), Dallas (2011–16), Arizona (2016–21), and Minnesota. He also recorded 21 points on seven goals and 14 assists in 47 career Stanley Cup Playoff games and won the 2009 Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh.
Did You Know?
Chris MacKinnon helped build a New Jersey Devils prospect pool that was recognized by The Hockey News in 2023 as the deepest U23 group in the National Hockey League.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Chris MacKinnon’s most recent role before joining the Minnesota Wild?
According to the team, Chris MacKinnon served as the Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager for the New Jersey Devils from 2019 to 2026.
How long did Alex Goligoski play in the NHL?
According to team records, Alex Goligoski played 17 seasons in the NHL, recording 475 points in 1,078 career games before transitioning into a player development coaching role with the Wild.
Where did Sebastian Beichler scout prior to joining Minnesota?
According to the Wild’s announcement, Beichler served as the Director of European Scouting at Elite Prospects, and previously worked as a European Scout for the Spokane Chiefs and FCHockey.
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