Top 25 Under 25 #11: Christian Folin

Prior to signing with the Wild, Christian Folin was one of the most highly touted college free agents at the conclusion of his 2013-14 season with UMass Lowell. Scouts were very high on Folin, and after his first season in the NHL, it was easy to see when he was at his best in his first pro year.

You may remember, at the beginning of last year, the Wild used many strange defensive pairings because of the mumps outbreak that seized the NHL. Christian Folin was one of the many members of the defensive corp afflicted. Who knows the affect that this illness had on his performance last season.

Last year, Folin spent time in Iowa and in the press box, in addition to playing his NHL minutes. When the Wild acquired veteran defenseman Jordan Leopold last year, it pretty much spelled the end for Folin's time with the big club. When Folin was sent to Iowa, he under performed, and it's hard to say whether this would have been from disappointment at being in Iowa or whether it was more caused by struggling after spending so much time in the press box.

His physicality could really help him make a name for himself in the NHL. Last season he fought Mike Richards after a punishing hit on Anze Kopitar.

The Wild have a lot of defensive prospects who are ready to make NHL level contributions, and Folin is just one of the this crew. Because of guys like Scandella, Dumba, Brodin, Spurgeon, and now Mike Reilly, Folin may find it difficult to make himself a permanent spot on the big club, which is certainly where his talent level should place him in the near future. He is someone who could make good trade bait because of his pro style skill set, and since the Wild resigned him for two additional years this summer, it's obvious that they intend to .