The Wild's owner, Craig Leipold, took a hard look at his organization during a troubling season and, without hinting at his intentions or flogging anyone publicly, decided it was time to fire general manager Doug Risebrough. He did so, and immediately conducted a hiring process that proved exhaustive, logical and decisive.

He interviewed the best up-and-coming GM candidates in the NHL, as well as a few old heads. He narrowed his search to the most outstanding candidates, and finally chose Fletcher, who possesses an impressive résumé, has worked with many of the best brains in the business, and is a cog in a championship-caliber franchise.