Vladislav Namestnikov signs for Winnipeg Jets

Vladislav Namestnikov has been dealt to the Winnipeg Jets from the San Jose Sharks for a fifth-round pick. The deal comes days after Namestnikov was traded from the Tampa Bay Lightning in a cap casualty trade. Namestnikov never played a game for the San Jose Sharks.

Namestnikov is a fast, talented depth forward who hasn't been afraid to play a role offensively in every team he’s been on. In 57 games this season on the Tampa Bay fourth line, Namestnikov has 15 points with 6 goals. Not amazing, but also not bad considering the limited ice time.

In over 600 games played in Vladislav Namestnikov’s career, he has 113 goals. This shows that there’s potential scoring upside to the deal. The Lightning were quick to shed Namestikov’s 2.5 Million AAV deal, which expires at the end of the season, to clear cap space for bigger moves like the Tanner Jeannot deal. With the Jets having some of the most cap space at this season’s deadline, it makes sense for the Jets to buy in and take a flier on Vladislav Namestnikov.

Vladislav Namestnikov dealt to Winnipeg Jets in depth improving trade

As far as the money, the Lightning retained 50% of his contract when they traded him to the Sharks. That means that the Jets will only be hit with $1.25 million when they acquire the depth forward for their playoff push. The Jets will certainly have room after this deal to make another move.

Vladislav Namestnikov should slot in as a depth forward on the Jets' back six. The Jets have some young talent there, and with a scoring veteran like Namestikov, there could be improvement in the scoring department down the stretch. It would be interesting to see Namestnikov play alongside prospects like Karson Kuhlman and Morgan Barron and see how those young talents improve.

After adding in Vladislav Namestnikov’s cap hit of $1.25 million, the Jets should have just over 3.4 million dollars in cap space to add another major forward piece. If the Jets want to continue improving in their Western Conference standing, they’ll need more scoring depth and Namestnikov is only the first piece.

The Jets made a similar move days ago, acquiring scoring forward Nino Neiderreiter from the Nashville Predators for a second-round pick. The Jets have now made two key upgrades to their team without sacrificing any of their young talent on their team or their prospects. The Jets can add the two pieces to the lineup seamlessly and gear up for a major playoff push.