Red Wings sign Namestnikov to multi-year deal

The Detroit Red Wings continue to dip into the veteran free agent pool, signing utility forward Vladislav Namestnikov on Sunday to a two-year, $4M deal, an AAV of $2M.

There's a lot to like about this signing. First, Steve Yzerman is familiar with Namestnikov, as the 27-year-old was drafted by Yzerman in the 1st round (27th overall) in 2011 - and if there's anything we know about the 55-year-old GM, it's that he has an eye for talent and he knows how to win.

Second, Namestnikov has 466 games of NHL experience, which includes 41 postseason games, and while the Red Wings may not be close to the playoffs right now, that experience can be put to good use by exhibiting good habits for the youth in Detroit to pick up on and learn from.

Third, Namestnikov's ability to play both wing and center provide some roster flexibility for head coach Jeff Blashill. This also allows a younger wing or center prospect to cook a little longer at the AHL level, or in another professional league in Europe.

The cap may not matter much to a team like the Red Wings, who are currently bursting at the seams with cap space, but at $2M, Namestnikov provides excellent value.

Namestnikov is just 3 years removed from a season in which he recorded career highs in goals (22), assists (26), and points (48) in 2017-18 when he split time between the Lightning and Rangers. He was acquired by the Colorado Avalanche at this year's trade deadline, promptly registering 6 points in 9 games for the Avs before the pause due to the pandemic. He added 5 points in 12 playoff games with Colorado.

The Wings have made some very low-risk, good-value moves during this offseason, including bringing in Bobby Ryan (bought out by Ottawa) on a 1-year, $1M deal, Thomas Greiss (Long Island) for 2 years at $3.6M per season and Troy Stecher (Vancouver) for 2 years with a $1.7M AAV. Now we can add Namestnikov to this list of UFA steals, as Yzerman continues to impress.

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