The Tampa Bay Lightning signed Forward prospect Vladislav Namestnikov to a 3 year Entry Level Contract on March 13th.
Namestnikov is a 19 year old forward currently playing his 2nd season for the London Knights of the OHL. Last season with the Knights Namestnikov recorded 30 goals and 38 assists for 68 points in 68 games along with 49 penalty minutes and a +/- rating of +12. This season he has recorded 22 goals and 49 assists for 71 points in 63 games with 50 penalty minutes and +15. With his efforts and the efforts of the other star players in the Knights organization, the London Knights have just officially placed 1st for the season after a 3-0 win over the Erie Otters tonight.
Namesnitkov was drafted in the 1st round, 27th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the last entry draft. The 6-foot, 170 pound forward is versatile where he can play center and the wing. Namestnikov's top asset is his skating ability. He has wonderful speed and acceleration and can skate around the ice with ease. He also has great offensive talent and very skilled hands with tons of tricks to use. He has been noted by some as a "very raw version of Pavel Datsyuk".
Unlike some Russians that pose a lot of "red flags" due to the NHL/KHL agreements, Namestnikov came over to North America to play here first so he may further pursue his dream of the NHL. So with Namestnikov "The KHL Factor" should not be a factor and should not be something to worry about. In fact, Vladislav's father, Evgeny Namestnikov played in North Americal in the IHL, AHL, and even the NHL for multiple years (Evgeny was drafted in the 6th round, 117th overall by the Canucks).
Tampa Bay signing rating: B+, locks up a great prospect for 3 years
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