Vladislav Namestnikov, the Russian forward, has been moved from the NHL’s San Jose Sharks to the Winnipeg Jets in a trade that reshapes both teams’ forward groups. The deal was first reported on social media by journalist Elliott Friedman, who is known for breaking NHL moves. In return, the Sharks acquired a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, a moderate return that reflects Namestnikov’s established NHL role and his value as a versatile depth forward with playoff experience.
Namestnikov has now become part of a rapid series of midseason swaps that have characterized this brief stretch of the campaign. Just a day earlier, he left the Tampa Bay Lightning to join San Jose, making this the second consecutive transaction involving the same player as clubs recalibrate their rosters for a tight schedule and a potential playoff push. The Jets, looking to add depth and speed to their lineup, will hope Namestnikov can contribute as both a bottom-six veteran and a smart two-way winger capable of contributing on the penalty kill and in transition.
Through 57 games this season, the 30-year-old Namestnikov has recorded six goals and nine assists, providing consistent secondary scoring and dependable possession play. His career has included stints with the New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, and Dallas Stars, giving him a broad NHL resume and a familiarity with multiple systems and coaching styles. This breadth of experience is often valued in teams seeking players who can adapt quickly and mentor younger teammates during a long and grueling season.
Namestnikov’s journey began in the NHL in 2012, and he has since established himself as a durable player who brings competitiveness and a professional work ethic to the ice. Off the rink, his background includes a strong international pedigree, having helped Russia win the bronze medal at the 2017 World Championship. He grew up in the United States, where his father, Evgeny Namestnikov, played professional hockey from 1993 to 2000, shaping a hockey lineage that helped mold his professional approach and understanding of the North American game.
In a separate sports note linked to a different sphere, there was a recent statement from Russian grandmaster Sergey Karyakin about the status of Alexandra Kosteniuk, the 12th women’s world champion in chess. The assessment suggested there is no worthy replacement for Kosteniuk as she chose to participate with Switzerland on the national team, highlighting a moment of continuity and transition within the chess world just as rosters shift in the NHL. The parallel underlines how both hockey clubs and chess federations weigh generations of talent and leadership when planning for the future, and how veteran figures can anchor teams through changes in competition and allegiance. [Source attribution: respected sports journalism and chess reporting outlets, provided for contextual clarity]