This morning, Feb. 22nd, the Winnipeg Jets announced they have locked up their second-line center Vladislav Namestnikov to a two-year, $3M AAV contract extension.

The deal will begin at the start of the 2025-26 NHL season and end at the conclusion of the 2026-27 season.

Namestnikov, 32, has produced 10 goals and 29 points in 56 games so far for the Jets. He is currently riding a four-game point streak, with one goal and four assists heading into tonight’s game against St. Louis.

The Russian forward was drafted 27th overall in the first round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Throughout his career, he has played for multiple teams, including the Jets, Lightning, Detroit Red Wings, Colorado Avalanche, Ottawa Senators, and New York Rangers. Over 12 seasons in the NHL, he has played in 760 regular-season games and 57 playoff games.

The Jets acquired Namestnikov from San Jose in March 2023 for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Since joining the team, he has become a valuable asset, scoring 23 goals and recording 53 assists for a total of 76 points in 150 games.

This season, with the absence of Sean Monahan, Namestnikov stepped up as the second-line center. He has embraced this increased role, impressing with his offensive contributions. His line with Nikolaj Ehlers and Cole Perfetti combined for 8 goals and 18 assists for 26 points during the franchise’s record-tying eight-game winning streak, just before the two-week break for the Four Nations Face-Off Tournament.

Namestnikov’s strong play has been one of the many key factors in the Jets’ success this season, and his contract extension ensures that he will remain a crucial part of the team for the next two seasons.

Tonight, Namestnikov and the Jets face off against the St. Louis Blues at 6:00 p.m. CT, and the game is available to watch on SNW.