The Winnipeg Jets added forward Nino Niederreiter in a trade with the Nashville Predators earlier this week. But with the NHL trade deadline in its final hours, the Jets have made another move.
The Jets acquire forward Vladislav Namestnikov from the San Jose Sharks. In return, the Sharks acquire a 2025 fourth-round pick. This is the second time Namestnikov has been traded this week.
The Sharks originally acquired Namestnikov from the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday. San Jose traded winger Mikey Eyssimont to get Namestnikov and ultimately flip the 30-year-old.
Namestnikov has spent most of his career with the Lightning. Tampa Bay drafted him in the first round of the 2011 NHL Draft, and he made his debut in 2014.
Namestnikov and the Lightning went on two deep playoff runs in his first couple seasons in the league. They made the Stanley Cup Finals in 2015, losing to the Chicago Blackhawks.
The new Jets forward had his best season in 2017-18. He scored 20 goals for the Lightning and recorded 44 points, though he didn't stick around the entire season.
Namestnikov moved to the New York Rangers via trade at the trade deadline that season. He added another four points in 19 games to his season total on Broadway.
After that, the 30-year-old new Jets forward bounced around the league. He spent time with the Ottawa Senators, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings and Dallas Stars before returning to the Lightning this past offseason.
The Jets are fighting for a playoff spot as the NHL trade deadline nears a conclusion on Friday. Winnipeg is fourth in the Central Division, but are just four points back of the Minnesota Wild in second place.