In many ways Russian Field Marshal Mikhail Kutuzov could be compared to US Union General George McClellan. A protege of both Generalissimo Suvorov and Frederick the Great, and student of George Washington's war, he was one of Russia's finest generals in his own right. He was Napoleon's opposite number during the latter's invasion of Russia and in the end led Russian troops to victory.
The only possible mark against Kutuzov was like McClellan, his cautiousness. Yet unlike McClellan, more often than not Kutuzov's caution was validated. Had his advice been heeded during the Third Coalition its possible the Allies could have emerged victorious from Austerlitz. When the Grande Armee invaded Russia, it was General Barclay de Tolly who developed Russia's policy of scorched earth and avoiding battle, but it was in the same spirit as Kutuzov who continued that policy up until Borodino. The scorched earth policy would later prove to be to be brutally effective against Napoleon. Post Borodino, the choice was made to evacuate Mosocw so the Russian army could survive to fight another day. On one hand it did result in Moscow being burnt to the ground by French forces. On the other hand it was incredibly demoralizing for the French and forced their retreat. As the Grande Armee retreated the Russian army would strike back with a vengeance.
Part of that vengeance would be at Krasnoi. In an attempt to save what he could of his armies, Napoleon personally commanded his Imperial Guard into battle in a desperate counter attack to keep his escape route open.
By the end of it Napoleon had at his disposal 8000 exhausted Guardsmen... against over 50,000 veteran Russians who had not even been bloodied yet. Had Kutuzov attacked at any time that day the result would be obvious.
Except OTL his McClellan syndrome got the better of him and he allowed Napoleon to retreat in good order. Thereby passing up the opportunity to take nearly the entire Grande Armee along with Napoopan prisoner.
In the grand scheme of things it would be rather irrelevant since by the time the Grande Armee left Russia attrition did what Kutuzov would not and left Napoleon with only 22,000 men.
Still, what if Kutuzov had decided to push his advantage? Napoleon could have been captured or killed by Russian forces. With le Emperor in Russian hands there would likely be knock backs on the War of the Sixth Coalition. France would probably go down easier. Though it might be possible just for Napoleon to be forced to submit while in captivity. Any political effects on the Congress of Vienna and postwar Europe maybe? Any thoughts?