Fletcher returns home after productive meeting with Kaprizov, Svetlakov

ST. PAUL -- Going on little sleep after a flight that lasted more than 12 hours, Chuck Fletcher was treated to a 6-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday at Xcel Energy Center.
The game capped a whirlwind 72-hour stretch for the Wild general manager, who whisked away to Moscow, Russia, on New Year's Day and spent nearly 60 hours watching, meeting and chatting with prized prospects Kirill Kaprizov and Andrei Svetlakov.
Kaprizov, selected by the Wild in the fifth round of the 2015 NHL Draft, has developed into one of the top prospects in the NHL.

Yet despite adding him to the organization's stable of prospects more than two years ago, Fletcher's meeting with him earlier this week marked the first time he had actually met him in person.
The trip, organized by Dan Milstein, the agent for both Kaprizov and Svetlakov, along with the Wild's Russian scout, Ivan Nepriaev, allowed Fletcher an opportunity to tell the two players about the organization, the arena and the new practice facility and about the hockey-crazed culture of the state of Minnesota and its fans.
"We went in and had some good meetings there," Fletcher said. "It gave me an opportunity to get to know them, get to meet them. I've seen them both play and our staff has seen them both play a lot, but it was really the first time we've had a chance to sit down and give them a presentation about the Wild and where they fit in our future."
Both Kaprizov and Svetlakov, who are good friends, are likely a few years away from joining Minnesota. Kaprizov signed a contract extension with his club, CSKA Moskva, over the summer, tying him to the KHL franchise through the 2019-20 season.
The Wild knew Svetlakov was signed for three more years when it drafted the 20-year old this past summer in the sixth round of the NHL Draft.
His contract status, and his advanced age, were two reasons why he was even available in the sixth round. But Fletcher said he sees a player that could be a big contributor whenever he comes to North America.
Fletcher said he came away impressed with both players.
"You see glimpses of their personalities," Fletcher said. "Kirill has a real good sense of humor, always has a smile on his face. Andrei was taking it in a little more, but asked some really good questions.
"I think they were both appreciative of the presentation and learning a little bit more about the NHL and what our roster could look like in a few years when they're able to come over and compete for a spot. And I know it was good for me to get to know them and learn a little about their families and their views on life."
Related:
- Postgame: Wild 6, Sabres 2 - Battle for playing time extends to Wild blue line