Observations:

October 2016 – If you’re looking for a sneaky play for hits and blocks in multi-cat leagues, consider Christian Folin. Not only did he have 72 blocks and 85 hits in just 67 games last year but he has been playing substantial minutes so far this year with Jonas Brodin. He’s off to a nice start this year for those that like PIMs as well with eight so far in just four contests. Edric Joseph

April 2016 – Through six playoff games, Folin managed to be a healthy scratch the entire series against the Dallas Stars. His stay-at-home play and deceptively good shot didn’t seem to be what coach Torchetti needed at the time but given how heavily they leaned on the top defensive pairs he likely wouldn’t have seen much playing time anyway. He’d do well to work on his skating and focus on coming into camp healthy in the fall to help his chances going forward. Edric Joseph

April 2016 – Folin continues to struggle to find playing time, as he was scratched from Minnesota’s first post-season game against the Dallas Stars after being scratched in two of their final four games. After the Wild were unsupportive of goaltender Devan Dubnyk in the 4-0 loss, Folin may provide a much-needed change of pace. Though he’s not ready for exposure to the likes of Benn or Seguin, he could at least alleviate pressure to play Suter, or Brodin so often should these defensive struggles persist. Edric Joseph

March 2016 – After putting up an unimpressive three assists in 24 games, Christina Folin has been healthy scratched for a week and counting. His play on the back end has its share of issues at the NHL level, leaving him often out of position as he’s still getting accustomed to the NHL rigors. Keep in mind his play isn’t the only contributing factor, if he plays in just five more games he’ll need to clear waivers in order to be sent down to Iowa. Hopefully he’ll be able to get out of limbo soon and play somewhere to get out of his funk. Minnesota doesn’t make sense for him presently given his play and especially when one considers how the Minnesota Wild blue line has been clicking. Edric Joseph

February 2016 – Due to the Mike Yeo’s recent dismissal, it looks like Christian Folin will remain with the Minnesota Wild for the time being. Coach Torchetti’s is very familiar and comfortable with the tandem Folin forms with Reilly and it seems that they want to continue to roll with this tandem with little shelter as they both were given ample ice time. It’s not a bad way to go, given how things can’t get much worse for the big club after the last 14 games with Yeo serving as bench boss. He won’t be carrying the mail as often as Reilly but he does have untapped offensive upside. Nevertheless, defense projects to remain his dominant posture. Edric Joseph

February 2016 – Folin has been summoned from the Iowa Wild to the main roster. It’ll be good to see if he’s improved much since his last callup in late November. He’s had nine points through 15 games with Iowa so far this year but still struggles to assert himself at the NHL level.  Don’t expect to see the assertive Christian Folin in this callup, as it was mainly a precautionary measure and he still needs time to learn to acclimate himself to the rigors of the NHL. Edric Joseph

November 2015- After a recent healthy scratching from the Minnesota lineup, Christian Folin’s services were no longer needed as he was sent down to the Iowa Wild of the AHL. The playing time with the farm team affiliate will not only help rather than hurt his development but keep him frosty as well. Eric Joseph

October 2015- Christian Folin was called up to the big club, but the fortunate break was short-lived as he has sustained a lower body injury. As such, he is back out of the lineup and is currently considered day-to-day. He managed 10 points through 40 games last season so there’s potential for value as a depth defenseman but he’ll need to fight for every chance to showcase what he can do on a slowly crowding Minnesota Wild blueline. Edric Joseph

July 2015- In light of last season’s performance, Christian Folin re-signed with the Minnesota Wild on a two-year, one-way contract. He turned heads making the team out of training camp in his first try last year but then went on to be healthy scratched at times throughout the campaign. Can make for an interesting stay at home depth defenseman however he exhibits a propensity to orchestrate rushes going the end in a hurry.  That being said, Folin likely needs more time to get accustomed to playing against bigger athletes armed with better skill sets. Edric Joseph

April 2015- For the seventh straight game, Christian Folin has been healthy scratched by the Minnesota Wild. Despite all the creative shuffling of the defensive pairings Folin still cannot seem to find playing time. This is clearly indicative of how big man has struggled to find his place. Folin can make for a strong stay at home type someday, but in the meantime needs to play with his head more as he cannot utilize his size the way he use to in the NCAA. Edric Joseph

June 2014 – Folin is a defenseman with good size and knows how to use his body in the right opportunities. He keeps his game fairly simple and stands out most in the defensive zone, but still possesses decent offensive qualities with a good shot. Folin spent the past two years playing college hockey at UMass-Lowell, where he tallied 41 points in 79 games in that span and scored 12 goals. The 23-year-old signed a two-year entry level contract with Minnesota at the end of March, and made his NHL debut against the St. Louis Blues picking up an assist while finishing plus-3. Jamie Zadow

Fantasy Outlook: B-

Folin already has the experience of playing on North American ice and should continue to develop in Minnesota’s deep farm system. A solid defensive player, he might become a skilled defenseman.

Footage:

Folin picks up first career NHL assist against the Blues:

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