Tommy Novak Bio
Thomas Novak is an American professional ice hockey forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted with the 85th overall pick by the Nashville Predators in the third round of the 2015 NHL entry draft. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing about 190 pounds, Novak plays a skilled two-way game and has built his career on offensive creativity and steady playmaking. After spending his first NHL seasons with the Nashville Predators organization, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in March 2025.
Early Life and Background
Thomas Novak was born on April 28, 1997, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to John and Patti Novak. Although his birth took place in Minnesota, Novak was raised across the border in River Falls, Wisconsin, where he grew up and still resides. The family supported his early interest in hockey, and the sport became a central focus of his childhood.
Novak attended Saint Thomas Academy, a well-known prep school in the Twin Cities area, where he played three seasons of high school hockey. During that time, he developed the offensive instincts and skating ability that would eventually attract professional scouts. His play in Minnesota’s competitive youth leagues helped him earn national recognition as one of the top forward prospects of his draft class.
Path to Hockey
Following his junior year at Saint Thomas Academy, Novak joined the Waterloo Black Hawks of the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the 2014–15 season. His outstanding play with the Black Hawks earned him an invitation to the 2014 CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game, a showcase event that highlights the top draft-eligible players in the country. The performance cemented his status as a legitimate NHL prospect.
On the international stage, Novak represented the United States at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, helping the U.S. under-18 team capture a bronze medal. He also recorded seven points in four games with the United States national junior team at the 2014 World Junior A Challenge. In June 2015, the Nashville Predators selected Novak in the third round of the NHL entry draft, with the 85th overall pick.
Tommy Novak Career
Early Career (2015–2019)
After being drafted by Nashville, Novak committed to the University of Minnesota, where he played four seasons of college ice hockey for the Minnesota Golden Gophers from 2015 to 2019. He spent his time in college refining his offensive game, earning responsibility in all situations, and adjusting to the pace of higher-level hockey.
Following his junior season, Novak signed with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL) on March 20, 2019, beginning his professional career in Nashville’s farm system. He later signed an entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators on March 25, 2020, officially joining the parent club.
Nashville Predators Breakthrough (2021–2025)
Novak made his NHL debut on October 19, 2021, and scored his first NHL goal on December 17, 2021, against Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Marc-André Fleury in a 3–2 Nashville victory. The goal marked the beginning of his impact at the top level and showed the offensive vision that scouts had long praised.
In July 2022, Novak re-signed with Nashville on a one-year contract, and on February 8, 2023, he signed another one-year extension. He finished the 2022–23 NHL season with 17 goals, establishing himself as a reliable middle-six forward for the Predators. On November 14, 2023, Novak was placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury. He returned to the line-up on December 7 after missing 11 games and continued to contribute offensively.
On March 4, 2024, the Predators rewarded Novak’s progress with a three-year, $10.5 million contract extension, signaling their belief in him as a long-term piece of the team’s core. His combination of playmaking, shooting, and special-teams work made him a steady contributor in Nashville’s lineup.
Pittsburgh Penguins Era (2025–Present)
On March 5, 2025, Novak was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, alongside defenseman Luke Schenn, in exchange for Michael Bunting and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL entry draft. The move gave Novak a fresh start on a Pittsburgh roster looking to retool around its veteran core, and he joined a forward group that valued his passing and creativity.
Since arriving in Pittsburgh, Novak has slotted into a top-nine role, bringing speed, vision, and a left-handed shot to the Penguins’ power play. His familiarity with playing a possession-driven game has helped him adjust to the team’s structure, and he is expected to be a key contributor going forward.
Driving Style and Strengths
Novak is known for his smooth skating, soft hands, and vision as a playmaker. He excels at distributing the puck through tight seams and has the patience to slow plays down in the offensive zone. Coaches have praised his hockey IQ and ability to read defenses, traits that make him effective on both the power play and at even strength.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Novak’s signature moments was his first NHL goal against Marc-André Fleury, a milestone that confirmed his arrival at the top level. He has also represented the United States in international competition, helping the U.S. under-18 team to a bronze medal at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.
Tommy Novak Career Wins
Tommy Novak’s professional career has been defined more by offensive production and steady development than by headline win totals. He has produced double-digit goal seasons in the NHL and has been a consistent point-producer at both the AHL and NHL levels. His scoring ability and playoff experience at the junior level established a foundation that translated directly into his professional success.
NHL Highlights
Novak’s most notable NHL highlight came during the 2022–23 season, when he finished with 17 goals for the Nashville Predators. His first NHL goal, scored against future Hall of Fame goaltender Marc-André Fleury, remains a career-defining moment. His consistent role in Nashville’s middle six helped the team remain competitive during his tenure.
Other Wins & Performances
Before turning pro, Novak was part of the U.S. under-18 team that earned a bronze medal at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, an important early achievement. He also contributed seven points in four games at the 2014 World Junior A Challenge, performances that helped build his draft résumé and eventual NHL opportunity.
Tommy Novak Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Tommy Novak was raised by his parents, John Novak and Patti Novak, in River Falls, Wisconsin. The family has been a steady source of support throughout his hockey journey, from his earliest years at Saint Thomas Academy through his professional career. Tommy’s upbringing in a sports-minded household helped shape the work ethic and discipline that have defined his path in the sport.
Personal Life
Novak continues to reside in River Falls, Wisconsin, the community where he was raised. He is known to keep his personal life private, focusing much of his public attention on his career and his contributions to his teams.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has marked a major transition for Tommy Novak, beginning with his trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 5, 2025. After several years of steady offensive growth with the Nashville Predators organization, Novak joined a Pittsburgh team in the middle of a retooling effort, and he has quickly become a key piece of the forward group.
Through his first stretch with the Penguins, Novak has shown flashes of the playmaking and shooting ability that made him a valuable middle-six forward in Nashville. He has contributed on the power play and at even strength, using his vision and patience to set up teammates in the offensive zone. The adjustment period has been short, and his familiarity with the league has allowed him to produce immediately.
Looking ahead, Novak is under contract through the 2026–27 season on a deal that runs until 2027. His role with the Penguins is expected to grow as he gains chemistry with new linemates, and his offensive instincts should keep him firmly in the team’s top-nine rotation as Pittsburgh continues its push back toward playoff contention.