Lightning's Vladislav Namestnikov: Strikes two-year extension with Bolts

Namestnikov agreed to a two-year, $3.875 million contract extension with Tampa Bay on Tuesday, ESPN's Craig Custance reports.

Analysis:

An arbitration hearing for Namestnikov reportedly had been set for Friday, but that will be canceled with the two sides settling on a new deal that will see the 23-year-old's salary increase by just over $3 million. Namestnikov is a talented two-way pivot who sailed to career highs in goals (14) and assists (21) last season. He's currently projected to play on the third line, but ascending to the top-six group isn't out of the question if Jonathan Drouin struggles out of the gate in the upcoming season. Look for Namestnikov in the mid-to-late rounds of most fantasy drafts.