Detroit Red Wings Player Grades: The Final Four Report Cards
By Nate Brown
Vladislav Namestnikov
2021 Statline:
Games: 53
Goals: 8
Points: 17
CF%: 44.5%
Preseason Projections
Provide secondary scoring and offense
2021 Season in a Nutshell
The nephew of Slava Kozlov returned to Detroit and had a decent season. Expected to help carry the offense that desperately needed help, Namestnikov was snakebitten at times but still finding a way to provide offense where he could. He was the example of a player who was shuffled around as the Red Wings worked through Covid Protocol and injury. He was useful, but it never felt like he settled in with the Red Wings. Either he’s taken in the expansion draft or he’ll get some better chances in what should be an even more improved roster next season.
Final Grade: C+
When they announced the signing, I thought Namestnikov would factor in more, helping an abysmal offense and power play find some more success this season. He certainly was one of the factors for improvement this season, but not quite at the levels we all expected. At times he would be one of many Red Wings who “blended in” to play and I think some of this was his usage on different lines due to the aforementioned injury woes of the team. If the Red Wings do expose him and he isn’t taken, I expect to see an uptick next season when there is certainly more offensive talented players filling the lines.