Player Discussion: Vladislav Namestnikov

These Are The Days

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Through 11 games, I think we already do. Even with Cally and Kunitz not producing a whole lot, they're generating more chances than your average 4th line.

As for moving people, there's really no reason to move anyone right now. Maybe Sustr and Paquette, but even in those cases, only if we have someone ready to dip their toe into NHL action.

We could visit moving Vladdy in the off-season, depending on how the rest of this year plays out. I think he's going to have some inflated stats and it's a contract year. If he makes himself invaluable, then obviously we hold onto him. I'm just not convinced he's not benefiting hugely, right now, from playing with the two hottest players on planet earth.

That's a fair enough point about Kunitz and Callahan but at this point it looks like 20 goals is a practical expectation for Namestnikov at the rate he's going. If he achieves that then I say just hang onto him but to make it a short term extension. I don't know if I'm comfortable with the idea of being married to him long term like we are Killorn. And I don't know if we will have to make any salary shedding moves but it'll be worth keeping our options open even on a guy like Callahan.

One year does not make a career and if we do bring Vladdy back I hope it's not for much more than something like 3 or 4 years x $4 million AAV
 

DFC

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That's a fair enough point about Kunitz and Callahan but at this point it looks like 20 goals is a practical expectation for Namestnikov at the rate he's going. If he achieves that then I say just hang onto him but to make it a short term extension. I don't know if I'm comfortable with the idea of being married to him long term like we are Killorn. And I don't know if we will have to make any salary shedding moves but it'll be worth keeping our options open even on a guy like Callahan.

One year does not make a career and if we do bring Vladdy back I hope it's not for much more than something like 3 or 4 years x $4 million AAV

He's getting close to $2m now. If he puts up > 50 points, he'll want some money, I think. I'm just not convinced that these 11 games are evidence that Vlad has improved more than they're evidence he can be effective while playing with two of the best offensive forces in the league. He's played very well, don't get me wrong. But I don't want to pay him a whole lot of money. And if he does put up points, he'll have a lot of value.
 

These Are The Days

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May 17, 2014
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He's getting close to $2m now. If he puts up > 50 points, he'll want some money, I think. I'm just not convinced that these 11 games are evidence that Vlad has improved more than they're evidence he can be effective while playing with two of the best offensive forces in the league. He's played very well, don't get me wrong. But I don't want to pay him a whole lot of money. And if he does put up points, he'll have a lot of value.

Neither do I nor am I convinced any more than you that this production will last. We need to keep Namestnikov cost controlled -especially with Kucherov being likely to exceed or match Stamkos' current salary. And plus if we need to move him then a short deal that's team friendly will make life that much easier. The Penguins have been fortunate to sport the deepest offense in the NHL for the last few years because they have very good depth like Sheary, Hornqvist and Hagelin under $5 million each. The real trick to the Lightning matching that kind of success will be doing the same.

It's just a damn shame Killorn and Callahan make so much right now
 

Sky04

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Jan 8, 2009
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Production never hurt from the 4th line.. its because our top 2 lines are so good right now, out biggest problem as always been depth scoring in the playoffs. Hustle and physicality is great but gotta hit the scoresheet sometimes. Minor thing to complain about but it's just swept under the table because we're so hot right now.

Ottawa probably has the best 4th line in the league right now using our ex players/coach, Burrows-Thompson-Pyatt have 12 points combined already.
 
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DFC

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Production never hurt from the 4th line.. its because our top 2 lines are so good right now, out biggest problem as always been depth scoring in the playoffs. Hustle and physicality is great but gotta hit the scoresheet sometimes. Minor thing to complain about but it's just swept under the table because we're so hot right now.

Ottawa probably has the best 4th line in the league right now using our ex players/coach, Burrows-Thompson-Pyatt have 12 points combined already.

I think Kunitz and Cally have both looked like they'll produce if they have a center who can make plays. Unfortunately, Peca isn't off to the hottest start with the Crunch.

Killorn and Johnson, for all their problems, have given us some pretty good production when you consider they're currently 3rd liners.

This is as close to "firing on all cylinders" as we've been in recent memory. Pretty much all we have to complain about is the 4C spot and Andrej Sustr. Life is good.
 

Volodya Krutov

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Jan 18, 2012
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To discuss the 4th line topic, they're doing exactly what we need from them. Phiscally punishing AND capable to harass the opposition on its own end. Over 60 minutes, even more over a playoffs series, it bears fruit, even if they don't necessarily score. At the moment, we have enough scoring depth coming from the top 9 and the blueline (hello Mikhail !) to let the 4th line being "old school" hockey. In short, it's a well built line-up.
 

HoseEmDown

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Mar 25, 2012
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I'd give Namestnikov 4mil and not think twice about it. Kid put up 35 points in his first full year while being shuffled around the lineup so this scoring spree isn't a fluke. He should be good to be a 40 point player for a lot more years. He's also one of the best advanced stats guys we have, he's been a great possession player with an underrated defensive game. Also one of the best at zone exits and entries. The only issue is we have two high priced LW already so having 3 making over 4 isn't ideal and his playoff performances haven't been great.
 

Volodya Krutov

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If there's something I want really bad, it's to see more of him on the PK . Every time he's been out there on man-disadvantage (by default due to injuries), the kid was stellar. I don't know why Coop didn't give more opportunity to establish Vlad as a full defensive asset. He had no problem giving those assignments to Flip, and it just plains baffles me.
 

HoseEmDown

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If there's something I want really bad, it's to see more of him on the PK . Every time he's been out there on man-disadvantage (by default due to injuries), the kid was stellar. I don't know why Coop didn't give more opportunity to establish Vlad as a full defensive asset. He had no problem giving those assignments to Flip, and it just plains baffles me.

I don't think he would be good on the PK as a full time option. He's good defensively in a 5 on 5 structured way but as for PK not sure as he's not a great shot blocker and isn't aggressive enough to apply heavy pressure to shooters. Rather Killorn do it as it suits his style much more.
 

The Macho King

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If there's something I want really bad, it's to see more of him on the PK . Every time he's been out there on man-disadvantage (by default due to injuries), the kid was stellar. I don't know why Coop didn't give more opportunity to establish Vlad as a full defensive asset. He had no problem giving those assignments to Flip, and it just plains baffles me.
So... while I think he's fine on the PK, I don't want to see him out there (or if he is, he's out there to replace Point). Stamkos got injured on the PK last season - I'm done with our top forwards being played on the PK. Not worth it.
 

Sky04

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So... while I think he's fine on the PK, I don't want to see him out there (or if he is, he's out there to replace Point). Stamkos got injured on the PK last season - I'm done with our top forwards being played on the PK. Not worth it.

Yeah as much as I liked short handed Steven - no more of that if we can help it. Johnson is the only one I'd risk.
 

The Macho King

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Yeah as much as I liked short handed Steven - no more of that if we can help it. Johnson is the only one I'd risk.
I honestly don't like having Point out there either, but we need 3 Cs playing SH and it's him or Stamkos (which is why I move to go back to 12/6 with the 12th player being basically a PK specialist and keeping the 11F rotating at even strength).
 

The Macho King

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So I have been his biggest detractor I think, so I'll eat some crow. He's been fantastic.

And I'll say what impressed me last night. His first goal? Automatic. Go to the far post, tap it in. Easy peasy. Good that he was there, but that's a basic play.

My issue with him has always been that he lacks situational awareness and doesn't have the best IQ, especially in the O zone. His second goal last night was a brainy goal.

He's the type of guy who would always stand right in the blue paint no matter what, which left him in an awkward position to receive a pass and even bang in a rebound if it didn't fall straight down. That goal - he's tied up with the defender at the top of the crease. He takes two steps *back* to create some separation both for placing a shot and receiving a pass, and then converts on the great pass by Kucherov. It just showed great awareness of how the play was developing and the place to be to convert on a chance. That slap pass from Stamkos to him? That's a set play - no IQ needed, just get your stick on the ice and go to the far post. Second goal? That was reading the play as it developed and recognizing where the best scoring chance would come from.

He's playing really well right now.
 

DFC

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I still think he has all the flaws he always did. It's just apparently those aren't nearly so detrimental when you're a winger.

I also think the return of our pedal to the metal philosophy has benefited him more than any other player. He's a lot better at flying by guys than trying to work his way through them.

Gotta say: I was shocked he made that pass to Kuch last night. That took some serious precision.
 

JoVel

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I wonder what kind of money he'll ask for if he scores waayy too many points because of playing with Stamkos and Kucherov. Will he ask for something reasonable or try to get paid big if he has a ~60 point season?

And don't get me wrong, I like what Vladdy has been doing on the line with those two, but I don't think we should pay him if he asks for ridiculous money.
 

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I still think he has all the flaws he always did. It's just apparently those aren't nearly so detrimental when you're a winger.

I also think the return of our pedal to the metal philosophy has benefited him more than any other player. He's a lot better at flying by guys than trying to work his way through them.

Gotta say: I was shocked he made that pass to Kuch last night. That took some serious precision.

I feel like I haven't seen him get knocked off the puck as easily this year as in prior years.

I wonder what kind of money he'll ask for if he scores waayy too many points because of playing with Stamkos and Kucherov. Will he ask for something reasonable or try to get paid big if he has a ~60 point season?

And don't get me wrong, I like what Vladdy has been doing on the line with those two, but I don't think we should pay him if he asks for ridiculous money.

I have to think there's some kind of (perhaps unspoken) agreement in the locker room there considering what TJ and Palat took, or perhaps Yzerman has presented a series of very detailed plans to the players he's interested in keeping.
 

NotNotALeafsFan

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Asking more for fantasy related reasons but is Vladi the real deal? Will he be able to keep this production up for a few years or is this gonna be more of a career year for him?
 

JoVel

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Asking more for fantasy related reasons but is Vladi the real deal? Will he be able to keep this production up for a few years or is this gonna be more of a career year for him?
I wouldn't have any long term plans for him. He hasn't really succeeded anywhere but with Stamkos and Kucherov. I mean, if that's going to be a line for several years, then yes, but I wouldn't bet on it. They just went cold for ~5 games and aren't together now. Vlad needs perfect linemates for him to succeed, which is something you can't really predict beforehand.
 

Sky04

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I wouldn't have any long term plans for him. He hasn't really succeeded anywhere but with Stamkos and Kucherov. I mean, if that's going to be a line for several years, then yes, but I wouldn't bet on it. They just went cold for ~5 games and aren't together now. Vlad needs perfect linemates for him to succeed, which is something you can't really predict beforehand.

Never pick the 3rd wheel long term, Purcell, Downie, Malone, Prospal etc etc. Lines can change anytime and if someone else clicks better with them his production will spiral from 60~ point pace to 35-40.
 
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DFC

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Asking more for fantasy related reasons but is Vladi the real deal? Will he be able to keep this production up for a few years or is this gonna be more of a career year for him?

As good as he's been this year, I'm still skeptical about him as a long-term 50+ point player. I think he's more 35-40, typically, but had a good run with two of the best players in the world.
 
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These Are The Days

Oh no! We suck again!!
May 17, 2014
34,124
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Tampa Bay
I think Vladdy is a product of his linemates because he has had years (plural) to get his act together but never EVER did. However, I'll take this current incarnation of him and run with it so long as he does not ever relapse into his previous Purcell-like tendencies. Stamkos and Kucherov were the magic trick for him. With Vladdy doing as well as he is, the Killorn contract feels like a back breaker right now because I think everyone knows Vladdy is going to out-produce him. Regardless of the results we are seeing I'm reluctant to any kind of long term commitment. I'm not going to be content to pay this guy $4 million a year to watch him put up 0's if Coop switches him away from Kucherov and Stamkos for a season because we somehow find an even better and more consistent combination within the top 6 that does not include him.

God knows we already have this problem with 2 guys already in Killorn and Callahan
 

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