IN STEVE'S DEFENSE: FANTASY PICKUP PRIMER primepucks.com Fri 3/20/15 3:38 PM

Four players to consider scooping up plus our parting shots- Here are four names that should come up when scouring the waiver wire for potential fantasy additions, so here is out fantasy take on the following four defenders: Yes.. Patrice Wiercioch Ottawa (Owned in 1.9% ESPN leagues)- When we think of Ottawa fantasy defensemen, it's always all Erik Karlsson but the 24-year old Wiercioch has exhibited some offensive upside in his college and AHL days. It hasn't translated yet into consistent NHL success but he played better of late with four points in the last six games. His minutes has also shot up over the last recent stretch, including more time on the top power-play unit. With four games coming up next week, it might be a low-risk move to get him in as your 4th defenseman. Looking beyond to next season, Year 4 could spell a huge breakout for Wiercioch if he gets to play more alongside Erik Karlsson. Jared Spurgeon Minnesota (Owned in 11.2 % ESPN leagues)- Since returning from injury, the Wild rearguard has collected two goals and four points in the six games. There is plenty of untapped upside when speaking of Spurgeon, but injuries have derailed what could have been a breakout season for him. With 22 points in 56 games, a strong surge over the lat ten games can get him close to the 30-point mark. With Ryan Suter struggling, we can see Minnesota giving Spurgeon more minutes on the power-play, meaning a solid finish should be very likely. We say pick him up.   Maybe.. Tobias Enstrom Winnipeg (Owned in 11.5 % ESPN leagues)- Considering his past track record which includes two 50-point seasons, this Jet should probably be owned in all leagues. Even with Dustin Byfuglien and Tyler Myers returning from injury, Enstrom should keep getting top PP minutes and has racked up three points over the last six games. When teams like Winnipeg have a possible playoff spot on the line, you can bet that they will rely heavier on their veterans down the stretch. Meaning, Enstrom could see a decent spike in minutes and subsequently, his scoring totals over the last ten games or so. A rocky season for the diminutive defender but there could be a strong ending in order.   No Thanks.. Jake Gardiner Toronto (Owned in 6% ESPN leagues)- Yes, we have hyped this guy for a long whila and his 6 points over the last nine games suggests that he indeed can be an offensive force. However, when considering the state of the Maple Leafs these days and the general lack of consistency that has plagued Gardiner's career, its hard to back him up the rest of this season. Parting Shots Dougie Hamilton has been on a late-season tear, collecting seven points in the last nine games. With 41 points on the season, hitting the 50-point mark is still possible but consider a sure lock foe next season. Consider Hamilton on the verge of stardom and a top-ten fantasy option for 2015-16.. Good ol' Alex Petrangelo sits on 39 points and should register his fourth straight 40+ point season. Love this Saint Louis defender to bounce back in a huge way next season. I am thinking top-five status..