Justin Falk

Falk made the most of his opportunity during the 2016-17 season after injuries ravaged Buffalo's blue line, appearing in 52 games and earning a contract extension mid-way through the season. The steady 6-foot-5 defenseman registered 101 hits and 40 blocked shots, but just eight assists, which limits his fantasy value. Falk is steady and dependable, but won't play anything more than a third-pairing or depth role this coming season.

Received in a post season deal with Minnesota for prospect Benn Ferriero, the 24-year-old Falk's career has been in the fast lane since being drafted in 2007. After spending two solid seasons with the Houston Aeros (AHL), Falk played in 25 games over two seasons with the Wild before being sent back to Houston for the rest of 2010-11. However, the 6'5 blue liner showed enough promise to earn a spot with Minnesota in 2011-12 where he remained as staple despite some knee problems. Nonetheless, Falk has yet to show any kind of categorical upside and a talented core of Rangers defensemen will likely leave him with very little playing time. While we think he could flourish in New York, we just don't see him getting enough playing time to warrant a fantasy roster spot in any format

Falk is a big (6-5, 220), stay-at-home defender who only gets noticed when he screws things up. That's a good thing because it means he's generally doing his job right. He won't wow you with hits or passes, and he occasionally emits a brain fart that causes havoc on the ice. But still, he's close to earning NHL ice time; it just remains to be seen if its this season or next.

Falk, who will turn 23 years old in October, is best viewed as organizational depth for the Wild. The 6-foot-5 bruiser had just three assists for his only points in 22 NHL games last season, and is likely to require more seasoning in the minors in 2011-12.

Falk will contend for a blue line job in training camp with the Wild. He'll likely spend much of the season in the AHL. He won't produce much offense, but did have 87 PIM in 69 games last year in the AHL.