Evgeny Namestnikov

Yevgeni "John" Yurievich Namestnikov (Russian: Евгений Юрьевич Наместников; born October 9, 1971) is a Russian former professional ice hockey defenceman who spent parts of six seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) and is currently an NHL amateur scout for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Namestnikov is the father of current NHL player Vladislav Namestnikov and brother-in-law of former NHL player Slava Kozlov.

Evgeny Namestnikov
Born (1971-10-09) October 9, 1971 (age 52)
Arzamas, Soviet Union
Height5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight190 lb (86 kg; 13 st 8 lb)
PositionDefence
ShotRight
Played forVancouver Canucks
New York Islanders
Nashville Predators
National team Soviet Union
NHL draft117th overall, 1991
Vancouver Canucks
Playing career1988–2005

Playing career

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Namestnikov was drafted 117th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft. After spending two more seasons in Russia with CSKA Moscow he came to North America for the 1993–94 season.

Undersized for an NHL defender, Namestnikov compensated for his size by playing a hard-nosed physical game and was an excellent open-ice hitter. Called up midway through the 1993–94 season, he made an instant impact with his strong play through his first ten or so games, but faded and was returned to the American Hockey League. This pattern would continue throughout his four seasons in the Canuck organization - when called up, he would make a quick impact with his physical play, but his lack of size and sometimes questionable decision-making would catch up with him, and he'd find himself back in the AHL.

Namestnikov signed as a free agent with the New York Islanders for the 1997–98 season, but again found himself primarily in the minors, appearing in just two games for the Islanders in two seasons with the organization. After a brief stint in the system of the New York Rangers, Namestnikov was dealt to the Nashville Predators, where he played his final two NHL games in the 1999–2000 season. Following his release from Nashville in 2001, he returned to Russia where he played for five more seasons before retiring in 2006.

Namestnikov appeared in 43 NHL games, recording 9 assists and 24 penalty minutes. He also appeared in two playoff games for the Canucks without recording a point.

Scouting career

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Namestnikov works as a scout for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Notable players he has scouted include Nikita Soshnikov and Yegor Korshkov.[1]

Personal life

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Namestnikov moved from Russia to Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1993 with his wife and eight-month-old son, Vladislav.[2] Vladislav himself became a professional hockey player, playing for the New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Tampa Bay Lightning and currently the Winnipeg Jets.

Career statistics

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Regular season and playoffs

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Regular seasonPlayoffs
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPtsPIMGPGAPtsPIM
1988–89Torpedo GorkyUSSR2000281018
1988–89Kvarts BorUSSR-361016
1989–90Torpedo GorkyUSSR2300025
1989–90Kvarts BorUSSR-31700020
1990–91Torpedo GorkyUSSR4530320
1991–92CSKA MoscowUSSR3410137802210
1991–92CSKA Moscow-2USSR-320000
1992–93CSKA MoscowIHL42551068
1993–94Vancouver CanucksNHL1705510
1993–94Hamilton CanucksAHL597273497402219
1994–95Vancouver CanucksNHL16033410002
1994–95Syracuse CrunchAHL5911223359
1995–96Vancouver CanucksNHL10000
1995–96Syracuse CrunchAHL59133447851518916
1996–97Vancouver CanucksNHL20004
1996–97Syracuse CrunchAHL55937467332020
1997–98New York IslandersNHL60114
1997–98Utah GrizzliesIHL62619254841012
1998–99Lowell Lock MonstersAHL4212142642
1999–00Nashville PredatorsNHL20000
1999–00Hartford Wolf PackAHL33191014
1999–00Milwaukee AdmiralsIHL122351730000
2000–01Milwaukee AdmiralsIHL56722293630110
2001–02Lada TogliattiRUS5067135640112
2002–03Ak Bars KazanRUS3428102051014
2003–04CSKA MoscowRUS3833618
2004–05CSKA MoscowRUS3601126
2005–06Mytishchi KhimikRUS1812316
2005–06HC MVDRUS2502228
AHL totals30753143196370223101335
USSR/RUS totals3472128493162523524
NHL totals430992420002

International

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YearTeamEventGPGAPtsPIM
1989Soviet UnionEJC60116
1990Soviet UnionWJC70116
1991Soviet UnionWJC710110
Junior totals2012322

References

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  1. ^ Brownscombe, Alec (June 25, 2016). "Yegor Korshkov selected 31st overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs". Maple Leafs Hot Stove. Retrieved October 6, 2016.
  2. ^ Morreale, Mike G. (7 February 2011). "Namestnikov blends Russian, North American styles". NHL Entry Draft. Retrieved 20 November 2014.
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