The Tampa Bay Lightning signed free agent forward, Vladislav Namestnikov, to a one-year contract. Financial Details are not yet available.
Vladdy Namestnikov agrees to one year contract with Tampa Bay Lightning. #WeAreGoldStar! pic.twitter.com/nHaOuOhKRl
— Dan Milstein-Hockey (@HockeyAgent1) July 13, 2022
Vladislav Namestnikov Signs With the Tampa Bay Lightning
Over his nine-year NHL career, Namestnikov has played for the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Colorado Avalanche, Detriot Red Wings, and Dallas Stars. He has put up 107 goals and 129 assists for 236 career points in 553 career games. He was originally drafted in the first round, 27th overall of the 2011 NHL draft by the Lightning. Though he has been moved around a lot, the most recent move was to Dallas. During the 2021-2022 season, Namestnikov was traded from Detriot to Dallas at the deadline for a fourth-round pick. The two-way forward was first in the NHL for short-handed goals during his time with Ottawa.
What He Brings to the Table
The 29-year-old is a defensive forward that can also find the back of the net. Namestnikov has an impressive wrist shot. Additionally, he is able to take advantage of open space. Coupled with his passing and the ability to create plays, he sets his linemates up for scoring chances. When he isn’t trying to create space and chances, he is crashing the net, in hopes to make something happen. The six-foot forward uses his size to be physical, recording 140 hits in one single season. He plays an enforcer-type game, sticking up for his teammates and isn’t afraid to get in a fight.
Because Namestnikov is solid on both offence and defence, he can be played on the power-play and the penalty-kill. He is shut down on defence and can hold his own with his opponents. His puck-handling skills are elite, recording multiple seasons of single-digit giveaways. Because he is such a solid player on both ends of the ice, he is a valuable asset to any team he is on.
OTTAWA, ON – FEBRUARY 22: Tampa Bay Lightning Center Vladislav Namestnikov (90) prepares for a face-off during first period National Hockey League action between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Ottawa Senators on February 22, 2018, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
