Feb 7, 2025; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets middle Gabriel Vilardi (13)m Winnipeg Jets middle Vladislav Namestnikov (7) and Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) have fun their victory over the New York Islanders at Canada Life Centre. Necessary Credit score: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Pictures
Normal Supervisor Kevin Cheveldayoff seems to have put the 2 week break to good use, understanding a brand new contract for ahead Vladislav Namestnikov. Information has damaged that the Winnipeg Jets have agreed to a 2 yr extension with the 32 yr outdated veteran, preserving him within the Peg till the tip of the 2026-27 NHL marketing campaign. A two yr deal giving him a elevate of $1M per season, the worth is certainly there for the True North franchise with the contract paying Namestnikov $3M/yr over the subsequent two seasons.
The Russian ahead has excelled this yr and is on tempo to problem for his most offensively impactful season of his lengthy NHL profession. And that was when he was only a younger lad in his fourth skilled marketing campaign. The center six ahead has bounced round fairly a bit all through his profession (8 totally different franchise adjustments), however seems to have discovered a snug slot in Winnipeg and is prepared to signal on to remain right here for a full 4 seasons.
A 30 to 40 level ahead that may play wing & middle whereas bouncing across the center six, all of the whereas doing it with a smile. Looks like good worth to me….and gives a little bit of time to let potential 2nd line middle replacements like Brad Lambert, Brayden Yager, & Chaz Lucius develop additional.
In case you missed it, here’s what I wrote just lately in regards to the middle in my Remaining Push article:
Vladislav Namestnikov: The Russian middle has carried out admirably as Winnipeg’s 2nd line middle, despite the fact that it might be a bit too excessive up within the lineup for his expertise stage. Namestnikov was restricted to 78 video games in his first full yr with the Jets, however did handle to place up an honest 37 pts and has confirmed to be a helpful utility participant for coach Scott Arniel. As soon as once more in 24-25 Vladdy has missed 4 video games, but when he retains up his present tempo (29 pts in 52 gms) he’ll flirt along with his career-best of 44 factors.
Glad you want the town & hockey crew, Vlad. Completely happy that you just discovered a “everlasting” residence for the primary time for the reason that 4 seasons you spent in Tampa Bay to begin your profession.
