Michael Stuart: Bolts Prospect Report: Vladislav Namestnikov

Namestnikov is Russian in name only. Born in Michigan, spent half his life living in the US. Played with Yzermans daughters and spent some time in the Red Wings locker room. The Russian factor doesn't apply AT ALL. Did you hear his interview after he was drafted?

There wasn't any Russian factor. He's just a very pedestrian player that dissolves into the background more than one expects.

Looks like Dave got screwed again.

From the few games I saw of him in the OHL last season, I wasn't too impressed. I would love to be wrong though.

Good read

There wasn't any Russian factor. He's just a very pedestrian player that dissolves into the background more than one expects.
- AdamFrench

He's really a North American player. I just know that some fans were scared because of the name, as Artyukhin kind of alluded to. Personally, I'm not a believer of the "Russian Factor" - I don't believe your country of birth has anything to do with attitude.

Also know that may felt that he would/did fall because of the "Russian Factor" - that's all I'm saying. Recall that some had him pegged as a potential top-10 pick when his draft season started and I saw many believing he would go between 12 and 15 towards the end of the season. Unfortunate that country of birth may have played into him falling - but great for the Lightning as he's a smart, skilled, articulate kid with a bright future ahead of him.

http://www.hockeywilderne...cts-vladislav-namestnikov

Namestnikov is Russian in name only. Born in Michigan, spent half his life living in the US. Played with Yzermans daughters and spent some time in the Red Wings locker room. The Russian factor doesn't apply AT ALL. Did you hear his interview after he was drafted?
- Artyukhin76

Grew up in Michigan but I believe he was born in Russia. The personal connections between him, Yzerman and Kozlov are certainly a positive for the Bolts. I did hear his interview. He wants to be here. I just know that some felt as though he fell down the board because of unwarranted concerns.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=110DMyeQ-M8

From the few games I saw of him in the OHL last season, I wasn't too impressed. I would love to be wrong though.
- simon17

I didn't want many Knights games last season, but I watched probably 10-15. He's the kind of player who doesn't wow you, doesn't seem to show up, but then you look at his stats sheet and he's put up numbers. Kind of stealthy in a unique, deadly way....

I'm quite high on him.

I think we should wait for a couple of years in the AHL before anyone really passes judgement. He's young, has allot of potential and has the people and and management around to help develop him.

I think we should wait for a couple of years in the AHL before anyone really passes judgement. He's young, has allot of potential and has the people and and management around to help develop him.
- Artyukhin76

Agreed. And with the depth and quality of the Bolts farm system right now there is no reason to rush him or anyone else. Let them develop and fill in when needed until they are ready.

I attend a ton of Knights games every season and I'm a huge fan.

I like Namestnikov. He seems like a good kid, and he has some talent but he's a very average player. I think he's one of those guys that'll slot into the Top 6 in place of injured player, but otherwise he'll be a depth guy who has some offensive ability.