Tommy Novak Bio
Thomas Novak is an American professional ice hockey forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and raised in River Falls, Wisconsin, he developed into a skilled two-way center after years in Minnesota’s competitive youth hockey system. He was selected with the 85th overall pick by the Nashville Predators in the third round of the 2015 NHL entry draft and has since built a career as a dependable middle-six contributor.
Early Life and Background
Thomas Novak was born on April 28, 1997, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to John and Patti Novak. Although he was born in Minnesota, Novak was raised across the border in River Falls, Wisconsin, where he grew up in a tight-knit family environment that encouraged athletics and education. The Twin Cities hockey scene, with its deep tradition of producing NHL talent, helped shape his early approach to the game.
Novak attended Saint Thomas Academy, a well-known college-preparatory school in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, where he spent three seasons playing for the Cadets’ hockey program. Saint Thomas Academy has long been recognized for blending strong academics with elite-level youth hockey, and Novak’s time there gave him a foundation in discipline and structure. His performances at the high school level drew the attention of junior scouts across the Midwest.
Path to Hockey
After completing his time at Saint Thomas Academy, Novak joined the Waterloo Black Hawks of the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the 2014–15 season. His play with the Black Hawks was strong enough that he was invited to skate in the 2014 CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game, a showcase that highlights the top draft-eligible American players. That same developmental year, he helped the United States national under-18 team to a bronze medal at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and recorded seven points in four games at the 2014 World Junior A Challenge.
In June 2015, Novak was selected 85th overall by the Nashville Predators in the third round of the 2015 NHL entry draft. Rather than turn professional immediately, he committed to the University of Minnesota, where he played four seasons of college hockey for the Minnesota Golden Gophers between 2015 and 2019. The college route allowed him to mature physically and refine his two-way game against older competition, setting the stage for his professional transition.
Tommy Novak Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Following his senior season with the Golden Gophers, Novak signed with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL) on March 20, 2019. He quickly adjusted to the professional ranks, and his play was recognized when he was named AHL Rookie of the Month for November 2019. The following spring, on March 25, 2020, he signed an entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators, locking in his place within the organization.
The 2020–21 season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting opportunities for prospects across the league. Novak continued his development in the AHL and at Nashville’s training camp, waiting for his first NHL opportunity. That opportunity arrived in the fall of 2021, when he was recalled and made his NHL debut with the Predators.
Nashville Predators Breakthrough (2021–2025)
Novak played his first NHL game on October 19, 2021, stepping into a depth role with the Predators. Less than two months later, on December 17, 2021, he scored his first NHL goal against Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Marc-André Fleury in a 3–2 Nashville victory, a milestone that confirmed his readiness at the top level. In July 2022, he re-signed with Nashville on a one-year contract, and on February 8, 2023, he signed another one-year deal, showing that the organization continued to view him as part of its long-term plan.
Novak’s most productive NHL season came in 2022–23, when he finished with 17 goals, establishing himself as a reliable middle-six forward. The following campaign brought adversity: on November 14, 2023, he was placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury and missed 11 games before returning to the lineup on December 7. On March 4, 2024, the Predators rewarded his progression with a three-year, $10.5 million contract, signaling their belief in his role going forward.
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 draft pick. The move offered him a fresh start and an opportunity to play a more featured role in a different organizational system. Unfortunately, in just his second game with Pittsburgh, he suffered a stress fracture in his leg, an injury that forced him to miss the remainder of the 2024–25 NHL season.
Despite the abbreviated debut, the Penguins viewed Novak as a long-term piece of their forward group. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and listed at 190 pounds, the left-shooting center brings speed, hockey sense, and a strong two-way game to Pittsburgh’s middle of the lineup. His contract runs through the 2026–27 season, giving him stability as he works back from injury.
Driving Style and Strengths
Novak is recognized for his smooth skating, his vision as a playmaker, and his responsible defensive play. He is comfortable winning faceoffs, distributing the puck through the neutral zone, and supporting the cycle game along the boards. Coaches have praised his hockey IQ and his ability to drive possession, traits that allow him to fit on specialty units and in matchup-driven situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the most memorable moments of Novak’s career are his first NHL goal against Marc-André Fleury, his 17-goal 2022–23 season, and his selection to represent the United States at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, where he helped capture a bronze medal. His three-year, $10.5 million extension with Nashville in March 2024 also stands as a key milestone, reflecting his growth from a third-round pick into a trusted NHL contributor.
Tommy Novak Career Wins
While individual goal and point totals are best tracked through official league statistics, Tommy Novak’s career has been highlighted by a steady climb from third-round draft pick to full-time NHL contributor. Across the AHL and NHL, he has produced offense in every stop, earning AHL Rookie of the Month honors in November 2019 and reaching double-digit goals in his breakthrough 2022–23 NHL campaign.
NHL Highlights
Novak’s most notable NHL accomplishments include his first NHL goal on December 17, 2021, against the Chicago Blackhawks, and a 17-goal season in 2022–23 with the Nashville Predators. His contributions helped stabilize Nashville’s middle-six forward group during a competitive stretch in the Western Conference.
Other Wins and Performances
Before reaching the NHL, Novak was a key contributor for the Waterloo Black Hawks in the USHL and a standout for the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the Big Ten. Internationally, he helped the United States under-18 team earn a bronze medal at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and posted seven points in four games at the 2014 World Junior A Challenge, signaling his scoring touch on a broader stage.
Tommy Novak Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Novak was raised by his parents, John and Patti Novak, in River Falls, Wisconsin. His upbringing in a supportive family environment helped him balance the demands of elite youth hockey with his education at Saint Thomas Academy, a school known for its strong academic and athletic traditions.
Personal Life
Off the ice, Novak has remained connected to his Wisconsin roots, with the River Falls area serving as his home base. He has generally kept his personal life private, focusing public attention on his professional development and his commitments to his NHL team.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024–25 NHL season was a difficult one for Tommy Novak, marked by a midseason trade and a significant injury. After spending most of the campaign with the Nashville Predators, he was dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 5, 2025, alongside Luke Schenn, in exchange for Michael Bunting and a fourth-round pick. The trade was intended to give him a larger offensive role in a new system, but just two games into his Penguins tenure, he suffered a stress fracture in his leg that ended his season.
Despite the abrupt ending, the trade and the subsequent contract he already had in place positioned Novak as a key part of Pittsburgh’s plans moving forward. His three-year, $10.5 million deal runs through 2026–27, giving the organization a long window to integrate him once he is fully healthy. The Penguins view him as a versatile, two-way center capable of contributing on the power play and in defensive-zone situations.
Looking ahead, the focus for Novak is rehabilitation and a strong return to form. Once cleared to play, he is expected to compete for a top-nine forward role in Pittsburgh, with an opportunity to play significant minutes alongside the team’s veteran core. His combination of speed, vision, and defensive responsibility gives him a clear pathway to meaningful minutes, provided he returns to the level he showed during his 17-goal 2022–23 season in Nashville.
