Storm acquire Namestnikov and draft picks in exchange for Pastujov
GUELPH – Guelph Storm General Manager George Burnett has announced today that the Storm have acquired forward Max Namestnikov, a 2nd round pick (Kitchener) in 2023, a 3rd round pick (Niagara) in 2024, a 5th round pick (Sarnia) in 2025, and 5th round pick (Barrie) in the 2026 from the Sarnia Sting in exchange for forward Sasha Pastujov.
Namestnikov, a 5’8, 175-pound left shot centre from Wolverine Lake, Michigan was a first round pick (3rd overall) by the Sting in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. The 2004-born forward has tallied 86 regular-season games through parts of two seasons with Sarnia, registering 47 points (20 goals, 27 assists). In his rookie OHL season last year, Namestnikov recorded 16 goals and 24 assists for 40 points in 68 games. Before playing in the OHL, Namestnikov suited up for the Detroit Honeybaked AAA program where he collected 128 points (53 G, 75 A).
“It was a big decision for Sasha and his family to commit to our hockey club and we our extremely grateful for their decision to do so as Sasha has been a tremendous player for us over the last year and a half. It is a difficult day for us but for many reasons, it is the right decision for our hockey club at this time,” said Burnett.
“Max is a dynamic, highly skilled player who competes hard and will be a great asset to our club. He will have a big role and play in all situations with our group as we look to compete for a playoff spot,” said Burnett.
The Storm would like to thank Sasha and his family for their support and dedication over the past year and a half. We wish Sasha the best as he finishes his OHL career in Sarnia and moves on to the Anaheim Ducks organization.
