Pittsburgh Review

Tommy Novak was at home in Nashville when he learned of his trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins. By Thursday, he had traveled to Vegas to join his new team and made his debut on Friday against the Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena.

"I wasn't really expecting it. It came up on me quick," Novak said, now wearing No. 18 for the Penguins. "Left the next day, and now we're here. It's exciting. I'm excited to get going, for sure."

Novak adds depth as a center behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, playing alongside Danton Heinen and Emil Bemstrom during Pittsburgh’s 4-0 loss.

"You can see the skill level he has," said Head Coach Mike Sullivan. "He gets a Grade-A look on a 2-on-1. Just misses his mark. But he made a few plays. He has good tight-area skills. I think he skates well. There’s a lot to like there."

Pittsburgh's Hockey Operations group is pleased with Novak's addition. At 27 years old, Novak brings experience and size at 6-1 and 179 pounds, having been drafted by Nashville in the third round in 2015 after four years of college hockey at Minnesota.

Since making his NHL debut in 2021, only three Predators have surpassed him in goals or points scored. His standout season was in 2023-24 with career highs in goals (18), assists (27), and points (45). Despite this year being less productive, Novak still managed 13 goals in 52 games before the trade.

"I think as a puck carrier, I see the ice well and try to make plays offensively," Novak stated. "This year, it's been a little hard to come by, but I think just making plays offensively, I move my feet, get my feet into it, and just try to create some chances for my teammates and for myself."

Phil Tomasino is familiar with Novak's game from their time together in Nashville.

"He's an awesome player, obviously an awesome guy as well," Tomasino remarked. "Just so skilled with the puck... Just makes everyone around him better."

Tomasino reached out to Novak following his trade since Tomasino himself experienced his first trade earlier this season.

"Obviously, things didn't go to plan at all," said Novak about leaving Nashville. "So changes were made... Coming to such a storied franchise and to play with such great players – it's an honor... I'm really excited to get going."