Sharks acquire Vladislav Namestnikov only to flip him in another trade!

Reports emerged that the Tampa Bay Lightning has traded forward Vladislav Namestnikov to the San Jose Sharks in return for Mikey Eyssimont on Wednesday.

The Lightning is retaining 50% of Namestnikov’s $2.5M deal.

While few insiders made the trade known when it was first announced, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period believes it is because the Sharks are already planning to flip Namestnikov.

For now, the Sharks have confirmed the acquisition of Namestnikov: 

Namestnikov has put up six goals and 15 points in 57 games with the Lightning this season, his second stint with the team.  He has 113 goals and 251 points in 610 games across 10 NHL seasons. He has played for the Lightning, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings and Dallas Stars. And now the Sharks. 

As for Eyssimont, he has three goals and eight points in 20 games this season for San Jose, his first with the team.