WINNIPEG — In a thoughtful, heartfelt interview after his Wild debut Tuesday night, Kevin Fiala talked excitedly about this next chapter in his career and, in a goosebump-inducing moment, voiced appreciation for how much general manager Paul Fenton believes in him.



“I am very thankful and grateful for this opportunity,” said Fiala, 22, who was drafted by the Wild GM in the first round in 2014 when he worked for the Nashville Predators. “Paul Fenton really believes in me and it’s just awesome to see. And it gives me confidence, too. Right now, I’m just looking for giving back, and not just accepting.



“He made a big trade. He gave up (Mikael) Granlund. He’s a great player. I’ve really got to give something back, you know.”



Fiala arrived in Winnipeg about five hours before Tuesday’s game — a late-game rally from two goals down and a 3-2 win over the Jets by his new club.



“I...