The Free Press’s Helene St. James posted a profile of Red Wings free agent signing Vladislav Namestnikov earlier this afternoon. Namestnikov is a 27-year-old forward who’s the nephew of former Red Wing Vyacheslav Kozlov:
According to his agent, Dan Milstein, Namestnikov had other options in free agency but liked the idea of joining the Wings. For one thing, it means living year-round in the area he has called home most of his life. (Namestnikov lived in metro Detroit from ages 4-9, moved back to his native Russia, then returned at 17). For another, it means being reunited with Yzerman, who as general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning drafted Namestnikov 27th overall in 2011.
Namestnikov (5-foot-11, 181 pounds) was traded to the New York Rangers at the 2018 deadline. He spent one full season with the Rangers before being traded again, at the start of last season, to the Ottawa Senators. They then flipped him to the Colorado Avalanche at the trade deadline, making for a whirlwind season for Namestnikov.
The Wings offered Namestnikov stability, and a chance to enhance his value. He’s adept at playing center or wing, and could be a fit on any of the top three lines as well as helping the power play. An excellent skater, Namestnikov has an eye both for making passes and taking shots.
