While scouring over the list of top ten fantasy defensemen over the last 15 days, I couldn't help to notice a few names of unispiring but talented youngsters who are readily available in most leagues and could have a huge short-term fantasy impact over the last week and a half. What can you say about the Los Angeles King's Alec Martinez? The 26-year old has exploded offensively in recent weeks, scoring 7 points in the last 8 games, including 4 on the power-play. His overall workload of minutes had been a major concern, as he has been averaging just about 15 minutes per contest. However, his TOI has steadily risen over his last three games, topping off at 19:35 in the 4-0 win over Phoenix. He has also been promoted to the top PP unit over the slumping Slava Voynov. While I am not quite sure if he can carry over his "hot" scoring touch to next season, his 13 points in the last 16 games is hard to ignore. The 20-year old Dougie Hamilton has shaken off his nearly season long sophomore slump with his recent streak of 6 points in the last 7 games for Boston. His offensive re-emergence has coincided with a steep decline in production for fellow rookie Torey Krug, so it may be time to grab him off the waiver wire. Keep in mind that the play-off bound B's might be giving no. 1 blueliner Zdeno Chara some much needed rest in the season's final games, meaning Hamilton could see a spike in minutes and subsequently, a boost in short-term fantasy value. Get Toronto's Jake Gardiner in your fantasy starting lineups immediately, as the 23-year old has responded lately with 7 points (1G/6A) in the last 7 games. With goal-starved maple Leafs desperately needing a jolt of offense from their defensive corps, the talented rearguard has been given more free reign to roam on offensive and create more scoring opportunities with his speed and passing precision. Like Hamilton, Gardiner possesses plenty of long-term fantasy upside, so don't be shocked if his recent stretch of scoring is a precursor to a breakout season in '14-15. Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon has been very active on the offensive end, collecting 6 points (1G/5A) in his last 8 games. In his fourth year, the budding blueliner has benefited greatly from riding shotgun to Ryan Suter on the Wild's top defensive pairing. While his power-play minutes have been mostly relegated to the second unit, Spurgeon has become fantasy relevant once again. Parting Shots Kimmo Timonen has fully recovered from a facial injury and is slated to play tonight for Philadelphia against Columbus. That's great for fantasy owners, given that the declining vet has found his offensive groove with 13 points in the last 15 games. Paul Martin is also set to return for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have yet to have Kris Letang back in the lineup. Pay attention to how Martin is utilized in tonight's match against Winnipeg, particularly on the power-play. No Evgeni Malkin can open up a spot for Martin on the top PP unit, even if Matt Niskanen's spot stays intact. You want a deep sleeper to finish the season strong? What about Ottawa's Patrick Wiercoch who has bounced back from a myriad of healthy scratches to post 4 points in the last 5 games. There is moderate offensive upside to his game, so his recent spike in production can continue until season's end.