The Colorado Avalanche have acquired forward Vladislav Namestnikov from the Ottawa Senators for a 4th round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.

Namestnikov to COL — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 24, 2020

Colorado Acquires Namestikov

The Avalanche were looking for depth scoring with injuries to Mikko Rantanen and Nazem Kadri. Ideally, the Avalanche wanted to go big fish hunting but decided to go the cheaper route with Vladislav Namestnikov. Namestnikov brings offence to the Avalanche at a time when the team is battling for the top spot in the Central Division this season. In 54 games with the Senators this season, Namestikov has recorded 25 points (13 goals and 12 assists).

This is the second time Namestikov has been traded this season. Namestnikov was traded from the New York Rangers in October in exchange for Nick Ebert and the fourth-round pick they sent to Colorado in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round, 27th overall in the 2011 NHL Draft. He was in Tampa Bay for four-plus seasons before being traded at the deadline in February of 2018 to the Rangers. Following the season he would sign a two-year deal with the Rangers in the summer of 2018. For his career, Namestnikov 183 points (79 goals and 104 assists) in 416 career NHL games.

What Namestnikov Brings

Namestnikov has been an effective player with every team he has been with. He knows his role as a depth player but will give the Avalanche a timely goal. He is a veteran player coming into a good team. His veteran leadership with help bolster the young players as he did with the Senators. Not to mention he brings playoff experience. He went to the Stanley Cup Final with the Lightning. So he knows what it takes to win. For a team looking to win the Stanley Cup, Colorado found their guy.

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