The Lightning lost their leading scorer Tyler Johnson to a lower-body injury last night, so Namestnikov is being recalled to play for Johnson if he is unable to go. The 22-year-old forward had seven points (3G / 4A) in 24 games with the Lightning before being sent down. Since being sent down he has registered 17 points (7G / 10A) in 16 games with Syracuse.

Namestnikov, 22, has skated in 23 games with the Lightning this season, posting three goals and seven points to go along with four penalty minutes. He recorded his first career NHL goal and assist on October 13 against the Montreal Canadiens. Namestnikov has played in 27 career NHL games, all with the Lightning over the past two seasons.

Namestnikov was a minus-1 with four shots while averaging 9:28 TOI in four games with the Lightning during call-up. Getting Steven Stamkos back and shipping Martin St. Louis out, the Lightning send Namestnikov (a centre) down to recall a winger (Richard Panik) up.

Namestnikov was the Lightning's 1st round pick (27th overall) in 2011. Tonight he will make his NHL debut on a line with J.T Brown and Nikita Kucherov, a line that played very well for Lightning head coach Jon Cooper when he was with Syracuse (AHL). Namestnikov has 13 goals and 17 assists (30 points) in 31 games with Syracuse (AHL) this season.

Namestnikov likely contends for a roster spot during next season's training camp. The Russian expatriate scored 22 goals and 70 points in 60 games with the London Knights of the OHL.