The wait for the Winnipeg Jets home opener for the 2025-26 NHL regular season is now down to 46 days to go. With a lack of Winnipeg Jets news this week, it’s time to continue the “goals and expectations” series. Not every player will be mentioned in this series (it depends on their current role on the team), and there may only be one or two players to cover after today’s player.

Last year the Jets (like many other teams) were looking for a true 2nd line centre. They weren’t able to find one before the season began, so they turned to the versatile Vladislav Namestnikov. Fans had their doubts about Namestnikov playing in this role, but he handled it just fine. With the addition of Jonathan Toews and the temporary subtraction of Adam Lowry, where will Namestnikov fit on the 2025-26 Jets lineup, and how does that effect his expectations for the season?

Namestnikov was drafted 27th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2011 NHL Draft. After 5 seasons with the Lightning and 3 seasons with the Rangers, Namestnikov began to bounce a bit around the league. Between 2019 and 2023, Namestnikov played for the Senators, Avalanche, Red Wings, Stars and Lightning. The Jets acquired Namestnikov at the 2023 trade deadline for a 2025 4th round pick. After recording 10 points in 20 games, Namestnikov settled into the Jets organization the following year. During the 2023-24 season Namestnikov was primarily on the 3rd line, and he recorded 37 points in 78 games. Namestnikov had a near identical stat line in the 2024-25 season, recording 38 points in 78 games. So what’s next for Namestnikov in the 2025-26 season?

It’s difficult to predict Namestnikov’s role for the 2025-26 season, but he’s proven in the past to be very versatile when needed. Depending on how the newly signed Jonathan Toews performs, and depending on when Lowry returns, Namestnikov could find himself either as a 2nd line centre, a 2nd line winger, a 3rd line centre, or even a 3rd line winger. When the Jets used to use Cole Perfetti as a centre Namestnikov was on the wing, and he’s spent time previously in his career as a centre and on the wing. His versatility will be the key to a successful season, and another 35+ point season should be doable based on his play from the past two seasons.

You may have guessed it already, but a “bad” season for Namestnikov would be based on how versatile he is throughout the season. If Jonathan Toews does play like a 2nd line centre, and Lowry returns as the 3rd line centre, Namestnikov will very likely need to play on the wing. It may take a bit of time for him to re-adjust, and if it effects his production that would be cause for concern. A down season for Namestnikov would be less than 30 points with less of a versatile role.

An exceptionally good season for Namestnikov would include him reaching 40+ points for the 2nd time in his career. The last time Namestnikov reached 40+ points was way back in 2016-17 when he recorded his career high of 44 points. Other than being versatile, the other element to a good season for Namestnikov would be staying in the Jets top 6. This could be at centre or even on the wing with the departure of Nikolaj Ehlers, but there will be a battle for two or three of the spots on the Jets 2nd line. Fans are hoping that Namestnikov can replicate the success he’s had in his last 2 seasons with the team.

Namestnikov continues to be one of the most versatile players on the Jets rosters. With the new Jets additions and subtractions, it opens up a spot for Namestnikov to continue to showcase his ability to play multiple roles. Namestnikov will be entering the 1st year of his new 2 year, $6 million contract, so you can bet that he will want to show the Jets that he was worth bringing back. The Russian forward will be ready to succeed in whatever role he is given in his 3rd full season with the Jets.