Vladislav Yevgenievich Namestnikov Bio
Vladislav Yevgenievich Namestnikov is a Russian professional ice hockey centre who currently plays for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League. Selected 27th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, he has built a journeyman career spanning multiple NHL franchises over more than a decade at the professional level. Namestnikov is known as a reliable two-way forward who contributes at both ends of the ice. His career path has taken him through nine NHL teams, demonstrating his adaptability and value as a professional hockey player.
Early Life and Background
Vladislav Yevgenievich Namestnikov was born on 22 November 1992 in Voskresensk, Russia. Although born in Russia, his family relocated to Michigan when he was just eight months old, giving him early exposure to North American hockey culture. When Namestnikov was eight years old, he returned to Voskresensk to hone his hockey skills in Russia. He played in the Vysshaya Liga with Khimik Voskresensk at age 16, taking his first steps toward a professional career.
Namestnikov comes from a distinguished hockey family. His father, Evgeny Namestnikov, played professionally for the Vancouver Canucks and also played for Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. Like his son, Evgeny also played for the Syracuse Crunch during his career. His maternal uncle is Vyacheslav Kozlov, a former NHL star who played over 1,000 games with the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, and Atlanta Thrashers. Another uncle, Ivan Novoseltsev, also played professionally with over five seasons in the NHL. His brother, Max, currently plays for the Bemidji State Beavers in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.
Path to Professional Hockey
Namestnikov was selected 20th overall by the London Knights in the 2010 Ontario Hockey League Entry Draft. He was also selected 11th overall in the Kontinental Hockey League Draft by Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, but he ultimately chose to play for London after deciding he did not want to play in Russia at that time. In his first OHL season with the Knights in 2010-11, he scored 68 points in 68 games. His performance established him as one of the top prospects available in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, where the Tampa Bay Lightning selected him in the first round with the 27th overall pick.
Vladislav Yevgenievich Namestnikov Career
Early Career (2009-2014)
After developing his skills with the London Knights, Namestnikov signed his first professional contract with Tampa Bay on 13 March 2012, agreeing to a three-year entry-level deal. During the 2012-13 NHL lockout, he was assigned to the Syracuse Crunch, Tampa Bay’s American Hockey League affiliate. He finished that season playing in the Calder Cup Final, where the Crunch fell to the Grand Rapids Griffins in a 4-2 series defeat. While with the Crunch, he led the team in assists and points, earning a recall to Tampa Bay on 7 February 2014.
Namestnikov made his NHL debut on 8 February 2014, skating 11:55 for the Lightning in their 4-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings. He was reassigned to Syracuse on 5 March 2014 after failing to register a point in four NHL games. He regained his scoring touch with the Crunch and represented the Eastern Conference in the AHL All-Star Game on 6 January 2015.
Tampa Bay Lightning Breakthrough (2014-2018)
Namestnikov made Tampa Bay’s roster out of training camp to start the 2014-15 NHL season. On 13 October 2014, he recorded his first career NHL point with an assist on a Victor Hedman goal. He soon scored his first career NHL goal in a 7-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. On 24 October 2014, he scored his first career game-winning goal in a game against the Winnipeg Jets. Though he demonstrated offensive ability at the NHL level, the Lightning reassigned him to Syracuse on 3 December 2014. He was recalled on 4 March 2015 and selected to the team’s playoff roster. That season, he posted nine goals and 16 points in 43 games with Tampa Bay, both career highs at that time.
On 15 January 2016, Namestnikov recorded his first career NHL hat-trick in a dramatic 5-4 overtime win over the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins. On 3 May 2016, he scored his first NHL playoff goal in another overtime victory, this time a 5-4 win against the New York Islanders in the Eastern Conference Second Round. Namestnikov re-signed with Tampa Bay during the summer of 2016, agreeing to a two-year, $3.875 million contract. On 26 February 2018, the Lightning traded him to the New York Rangers as part of a major trade that brought Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller to Tampa Bay.
New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators (2018-2020)
The Rangers signed Namestnikov to a two-year contract extension on 1 July 2018. He began the 2019-20 season with two scoreless games for New York before being traded to the Ottawa Senators on 7 October 2019 in exchange for Nick Ebert and a fourth-round draft pick. In his debut with the Senators on 11 October 2019, he registered an assist in a 6-4 loss to the St. Louis Blues. In his second game on 12 October 2019, Namestnikov collected his first two goals plus an assist against his former club, the Tampa Bay Lightning, helping the Senators claim their first victory of the season in a 4-2 decision. In an increased offensive role with Ottawa, he recorded 13 goals and 25 points in 54 games. With the Senators falling out of playoff contention, he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche at the deadline on 24 February 2020 in exchange for a 2021 fourth-round draft selection.
Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, and Dallas Stars (2020-2022)
After a brief stint with Colorado, Namestnikov signed as a free agent with the Detroit Red Wings on 11 October 2020, agreeing to a two-year, $4 million contract. He provided steady two-way play for the rebuilding Red Wings during his tenure. On 21 March 2022, Detroit traded him to the Dallas Stars in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round draft pick. He continued his professional career with Dallas through the remainder of the 2021-22 season.
Return to Tampa Bay and San Jose (2022-2023)
On 13 July 2022, Namestnikov signed as a free agent to a one-year, $2.5 million contract to return to his original drafting team, the Tampa Bay Lightning. On 1 March 2023, he was traded to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Mikey Eyssimont. However, the Sharks traded him to the Winnipeg Jets two days later in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
Winnipeg Jets Era (2023-Present)
Namestnikov joined the Winnipeg Jets in March 2023 and quickly established himself as a reliable two-way centre. His veteran experience and consistent play provided valuable depth to the Jets’ forward corps. On 22 February 2025, the Jets signed Namestnikov to a two-year, $6 million contract extension, keeping him with the franchise through the 2026-27 NHL season. His continued presence offers stability and mentorship to a team seeking to compete at the highest level.
Playing Style and Strengths
Namestnikov plays the centre position and shoots left. He is recognized as a reliable two-way forward who contributes at both ends of the ice. His solid defensive awareness complements his ability to chip in offensively, making him a versatile player who can succeed in various situations. His hockey IQ and ability to read plays have enabled him to remain effective throughout his career with multiple organizations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Namestnikov’s most memorable career moments are his first career hat-trick against the Pittsburgh Penguins in January 2016 and his first playoff goal in overtime against the New York Islanders in May 2016. His international career includes representing Russia at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey alongside Tampa Bay teammates Nikita Kucherov, Nikita Nesterov, and Andrei Vasilevskiy. In May 2017, he helped Russia capture the bronze medal at the IIHF World Championship by defeating Finland in the bronze medal game. His career journey through nine NHL teams demonstrates his adaptability and sustained value as a professional player.
Vladislav Yevgenievich Namestnikov Career Wins and Achievements
Throughout his professional career, Namestnikov has accumulated consistent scoring numbers across both the AHL and NHL levels. While he has not won a Stanley Cup championship or major individual awards, his longevity in the NHL with multiple teams reflects his reliability and professionalism as a player.
International Achievements
Namestnikov represented Russia at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, held in Toronto from 17 September to 1 October 2016. In May 2017, he helped Russia capture the bronze medal at the IIHF World Championship, defeating Finland in the bronze medal game.
Junior and Minor League Highlights
During his time with the London Knights in the OHL, Namestnikov established himself as an elite prospect, recording 68 points in 68 games in 2010-11. While with the Syracuse Crunch, he represented the Eastern Conference at the 2015 AHL All-Star Game.
Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
The Namestnikov family has deep roots in professional hockey. His father, Evgeny, played for both the Vancouver Canucks and Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, and like Vladislav, also suited up for the Syracuse Crunch during his career. His maternal uncle, Vyacheslav Kozlov, is the most decorated family member at the NHL level, having appeared in over 1,000 games with the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, and Atlanta Thrashers. Another uncle, Ivan Novoseltsev, also played professionally, logging over five seasons in the NHL. His brother, Max, currently plays for the Bemidji State Beavers of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.
Personal Life
Namestnikov resides in Michigan, where he spent his early childhood before returning to Russia to pursue hockey seriously. His international upbringing, split between Russia and the United States, shaped his path to professional hockey. He remains connected to both countries through his career and family.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2024-25 NHL season, Namestnikov continued serving as a reliable two-way centre for the Winnipeg Jets. His consistent performance and veteran presence contributed to the Jets’ competitive standing in the Western Conference. The coaching staff valued his versatility and ability to play in various situations. His strong play throughout the season earned him a two-year contract extension signed in February 2025, demonstrating the organization’s confidence in his continued contributions. As he entered his 16th professional season, Namestnikov remained focused on helping the Jets achieve success in the postseason.