Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman continued to add to his roster, adding Russian forward Vladislav Namestnikov to the mix on a two-year contract.
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Yzerman is already familiar with Namestnikov from their days with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
After the signing was announced, Namestnikov took to social media to post a special message:
Namestnikov’s uncle on his mother’s side just happens to be none other than former Red Wings forward Slava Kozlov, who was a famed member of the “Russian Five” and won the Stanley Cup two years in a row.
It’s certainly not a surprise that it was a childhood dream of Namestnikov to one day suit up for the same team as his uncle!
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Red Wings goalie Thomas Greiss: I trust Stevie Yzerman
The Detroit Red Wings got their guy.
After the announcement that veteran Jimmy Howard would not be returning, Detroit was in need of another goaltender to pair up alongside Jonathan Bernier, and they filled that void this afternoon.
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Former New York Islanders goaltender Thomas Greiss is on his way to the Motor City with a two-year contract with an AAV of $3.6 million.
Soon after the signing was announced, Detroit’s newest man in the crease met virtually with media members to discuss his decision, and it’s safe to say that he’s a fan of GM Steve Yzerman.
“I think it’s a good young team,” he explained. “I think they have a very good future and I trust Stevie Yzerman, that he is going to do a great job.”
When asked about how he feels about sharing the net with Bernier, Greiss had nothing but good things to say about his new teammate.
“I think we’re both competitive guys,” he said. “I’m looking forward to competing with him. I don’t know him personally, but (Islanders goalie Semyon) Varlamov played with him, and we had the same goalie coach back in the day. I’ve heard only good things about him and I’m looking forward to playing with him.”