Vladislav Namestnikov
A versatile and durable forward, he carved out a decade-long NHL career as a reliable utility player for nearly a dozen different teams.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Russian ice hockey player·Birthday: November 22·Millennials
Biography
Vladislav Namestnikov's NHL story is one of adaptability and survival. The Moscow-born forward was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning, where his skill and hockey IQ—perhaps inherited from his uncle and former NHLer Slava Kozlov—shone early. He never quite became a superstar, but instead evolved into the kind of player every contender wants at the trade deadline: a smart, two-way forward who can slot into any line, kill penalties, and contribute timely points. This utility led him on a nomadic journey across the league, wearing the sweaters of the Rangers, Senators, Avalanche, Red Wings, Stars, and Jets. In each city, he provided a steady, professional presence, amassing over 700 games not by flash, but by consistent, intelligent play that GMs repeatedly sought out.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Vladislav was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Vladislav Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Vladislav's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played in over 700 regular season NHL games, establishing himself as a durable and reliable forward.
- Recorded a career-high 22 goals and 48 points during the 2017-18 season split between the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers.
- Was a member of the Colorado Avalanche team that won the Stanley Cup in 2022, contributing during their playoff run.
- Selected in the first round, 27th overall, by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
Did You Know?
His grandfather, Evgeny Namestnikov, was a notable Soviet-era hockey player and coach.
He is the nephew of former NHL player Vyacheslav (Slava) Kozlov.
Namestnikov is one of a relatively small group of Russian-born players to have won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche.
“I'll play any role, any line, anywhere the coach needs me to win.”
