Namestnikov missed the Lightnings' previous contest due to a lower-body injury but is expected to return to the lineup Thursday as they take on Columbus. The 30-year-old has a goal, six points, 40 SOG and is -6 plus/minus through 27 games in Tampa's bottom-six.
Namestnikov had a goal, five assists, 40 SOG and 11 PIMs through 27 games so far with Tampa Bay but will miss his first game Tuesday due to an undisclosed injury as he is day-to-day. The 30-year-old sits on 108 career goals, and 242 points through 580 NHL games played.
Namestnikov suffered a lower-body injury in Tuesday's win over the Lightning and is expected to miss some time. Alexander Radulov will return to the lineup on Thursday to replace Namestnikov in the bottom-6.
Namestnikov missed the last two games with an undisclosed injury and wasn't on the ice for the morning skate but is expected to play Wednesday vs. Colorado. Look for Namestnikov, who has 13 goals and 10 assists (23 points) in 49 games, to skate on the third line with Michael Rasmussen and Adam Erne.
Namestnikov missed Sunday's practice before leaving for Minnesota and is questionable to play Monday. If he can't go, Givani and Gemel Smith will both be in the lineup together for the first time.
Namestnikov was listed as questionable after missing Thursday's practice but was ruled out on Friday morning. Darren Helm is expected to return from a lower-body injury to replace Namestnikov in the lineup.
Namestnikov was missing from practice on Thursday and his status for Friday's game vs. Florida is uncertain. Evgeny Svechnikov skated in his spot yesterday, so he could make his season debut if Namestnikov is unavailable.
The Senators originally traded a 2021 fourth-round pick for Namestnikov so they recoup that pick by sending him to the Avalanche. Namestnikov, who will be a UFA this summer, has scored 13 goals with 12 assists (25 points) in 56 games this season.
