Vladislav Namestnikov Bio
Vladislav Yevgenievich Namestnikov is a Russian professional ice hockey centre who currently plays for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL). Selected 27th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, he has built a steady career as a versatile forward capable of playing in all situations. Standing 180 cm tall and weighing 82 kg, Namestnikov is known for his two-way game, hockey sense, and ability to contribute offensively while remaining responsible in his own zone.
Before joining the Jets, Namestnikov suited up for several NHL organizations, including the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars, and San Jose Sharks. A reliable depth scorer and penalty-kill option, he continues to provide leadership and steady production for one of the Western Conference’s most competitive franchises.
Early Life and Background
Vladislav Yevgenievich Namestnikov was born on 22 November 1992 in Voskresensk, Russia. He is the son of Evgeny Namestnikov, a former professional hockey player who spent time with the Vancouver Canucks and Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod and later played for the Syracuse Crunch in the American Hockey League (AHL). Growing up in a household with deep ties to professional hockey gave Vladislav early and consistent exposure to the game.
Although born in Voskresensk, Namestnikov moved to the United States with his family when he was eight months old, settling in Michigan. When he was eight years old, he returned to his hometown of Voskresensk to sharpen his hockey skills. He eventually joined Khimik Voskresensk of the Vysshaya Liga, Russia’s second-tier professional league, as a 16-year-old, gaining valuable experience against grown men before making the jump to North American junior hockey.
Path to Hockey
Namestnikov’s path to the NHL began to take shape when he was selected 20th overall by the London Knights in the 2010 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Entry Draft. He was also picked 11th overall in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) draft by Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, but he chose London because he did not want to begin his professional career in Russia. In his first OHL season, he posted 68 points in 68 games and was rated among the top prospects available for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
During the 2011–12 season, Namestnikov continued to develop with the London Knights, recording 22 goals and 70 points in 60 games and adding five points in six OHL playoff games. On 13 March 2012, the Tampa Bay Lightning signed him to a three-year, entry-level contract. He was reassigned to the Syracuse Crunch, the Lightning’s AHL affiliate, during the 2012–13 NHL lockout, where he helped the Crunch reach the Calder Cup Final against the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Vladislav Namestnikov Career
Early Career (2014–2015)
Namestnikov was recalled from Syracuse on 7 February 2014 and made his NHL debut on 8 February 2014, skating 11:55 in a 4–2 win over the Detroit Red Wings. He was reassigned to the AHL in March after going pointless in four games, but he regained his scoring touch with the Crunch and represented the Eastern Conference in the 2015 AHL All-Star Game. He made Tampa Bay’s opening-night roster for the 2014–15 season and registered his first NHL point on 13 October 2014, followed by his first NHL goal against the Montreal Canadiens.
On 24 October 2014, he notched his first career game-winning goal against the Winnipeg Jets, signalling his offensive potential at the highest level. Tampa Bay re-signed him to a one-year, two-way contract on 17 July 2015 after he posted career highs of nine goals and 16 points in 43 NHL games, along with 14 goals and 35 points in 34 AHL contests.
Tampa Bay Lightning Breakthrough (2015–2018)
On 15 January 2016, Namestnikov recorded his first career NHL hat-trick in a 5–4 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, establishing himself as a reliable top-nine forward. He added his first NHL playoff goal on 3 May 2016 in a 5–4 overtime win over the New York Islanders. The Lightning rewarded his growth with a two-year, $3.875 million contract during the summer of 2016.
The 2016–17 campaign proved to be a defining stretch for Namestnikov, as he cemented a full-time role in Tampa Bay’s forward group. His two-way play and faceoff reliability made him a trusted option for head coach Jon Cooper.
New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators Era (2018–2020)
On 26 February 2018, the Lightning traded Namestnikov, along with Brett Howden, Libor Hájek, and draft picks, to the New York Rangers in exchange for Ryan McDonagh and J. T. Miller. The Rangers signed him to a two-year extension on 1 July 2018. After two scoreless games to begin 2019–20, he was dealt to the Ottawa Senators on 7 October 2019 for Nick Ebert and a 2021 fourth-round pick.
In Ottawa, Namestnikov was given an expanded offensive role, scoring 13 goals and 25 points in 54 games. He later added two goals and an assist against his former Tampa Bay team in a 4–2 win on 12 October 2019. As the rebuilding Senators fell out of playoff contention, he was moved again at the 2020 trade deadline, this time to the Colorado Avalanche on 24 February 2020 in exchange for a 2021 fourth-round pick.
Detroit Red Wings and Dallas Stars Era (2020–2022)
On 11 October 2020, Namestnikov signed a two-year, $4 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings as an unrestricted free agent. He brought veteran stability to a young Detroit roster, contributing regularly on the power play and penalty kill. On 21 March 2022, Detroit traded him to the Dallas Stars in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round pick, giving him a late-season opportunity to compete in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Return to Tampa Bay and Trades (2022–2023)
On 13 July 2022, Namestnikov signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract to return to his original draft club, the Tampa Bay Lightning. On 1 March 2023, he was dealt to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Mikey Eyssimont. Two days later, the Sharks sent him to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick, giving him a fresh start in a contending environment.
Winnipeg Jets Era (2023–Present)
Since arriving in Winnipeg, Namestnikov has settled into a dependable middle-six role with the Jets, contributing secondary scoring, penalty killing, and veteran presence. On 22 February 2025, the Jets signed him to a two-year, $6 million contract extension, signalling the organization’s confidence in his continued impact.
Driving Style and Strengths
Namestnikov is recognized for his two-way play, strong hockey IQ, and versatility across all three forward positions. He excels in transition, wins key faceoffs, and provides steady penalty-kill minutes, making him a valuable complement to higher-scoring linemates.
Notable Events and Milestones
Highlights of Namestnikov’s career include his first NHL hat-trick against the Pittsburgh Penguins on 15 January 2016, his first NHL playoff goal against the New York Islanders in May 2016, and a bronze medal with Russia at the 2017 IIHF World Championship.
Vladislav Namestnikov Career Wins
While individual goal totals vary across the leagues he has played in, Namestnikov has consistently produced as a depth scorer in both the AHL and NHL. His first NHL goal came against the Montreal Canadiens, and his first hat-trick came against the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016.
NHL Highlights
Namestnikov has surpassed 10 goals in multiple NHL seasons, including 13 with the Ottawa Senators in 2019–20. He has appeared in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, and Dallas Stars, and he represented Russia at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey in Toronto.
Other Wins & Performances
In junior hockey, Namestnikov scored 22 goals and 70 points with the London Knights in 2011–12 and reached the Calder Cup Final with the Syracuse Crunch in 2012–13. At the international level, he helped Russia capture bronze at the 2017 IIHF World Championship in Cologne.
Vladislav Namestnikov Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Hockey runs deep in the Namestnikov family. His father, Evgeny Namestnikov, played for the Vancouver Canucks and Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, and also suited up for the Syracuse Crunch. His maternal uncle, Vyacheslav Kozlov, played in over 1,000 NHL games for the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, and Atlanta Thrashers, while another uncle, Ivan Novoseltsev, spent more than five seasons in the NHL. His brother, Max, has played in the Ontario Hockey League with the Guelph Storm.
Personal Life
Namestnikov resides in Michigan, USA. He has spent much of his life balancing ties to both Russia and North America, having moved to the United States as an infant before returning to Voskresensk as a child to develop his hockey skills.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a new chapter for Vladislav Namestnikov, who signed a two-year, $6 million contract extension with the Winnipeg Jets on 22 February 2025. Locked in as a key depth forward, he continues to provide secondary scoring, faceoff reliability, and penalty-kill minutes for one of the NHL’s most competitive lineups.
With Winnipeg expected to contend in the Central Division, Namestnikov’s role in supporting the team’s top forwards and stabilizing matchups will be vital. His steady two-way presence makes him an ideal complementary piece for a roster with legitimate Stanley Cup aspirations.
Looking ahead, Namestnikov’s blend of experience, work ethic, and adaptability positions him well to remain a meaningful contributor for the Jets in 2025 and beyond.