Penguins sign veteran Novak to a 3-year extension
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Penguins signed dependable forward Tommy Novak to a three-year contract extension on Friday. The deal, which begins during the 2027-28 season, carries an average annual value of $4.65 million.
The 29-year-old Novak collected 16 goals and 26 points in 82 games last season while helping the Penguins return to the playoffs following a three-year absence.
“I think the number and obviously them reaching out before the season, it’s clear that they believe in me to continue to take steps and they value me as part of the team,” Novak said. “So yeah, it’s awesome for me, and I’m really happy about it. I’m really enjoying being a Penguin and I’m happy to continue to do so.”
Novak, who bounced between the second and third line during his first full season in Pittsburgh, had been scheduled to become a free agent next summer. The extension instead keeps him in the fold for the rest of the decade and positions him to be part of the club’s nucleus as it transitions out of the twilight of the Sidney Crosby/Evgeni Malkin/Kris Letang era.
In 285 career NHL games, the 6-1, 190-pound Novak has 65 goals, 94 assists and 159 points. His most productive season came in 2023-24 when he tallied career highs in goals (18), assists (27) and points (45) in 71 games with the Nashville Predators.
He represented Team USA this year at the World Championship, recording a team-high seven assists and eight points in eight games.
Novak was acquired by the Penguins in March of 2025, along with Luke Schenn, in exchange for Michael Bunting and a 2026 fourth-round draft choice.
“I feel like throughout my career, there has been maybe some streakiness,” Novak said. “Obviously, everyone goes through stretches that pucks are going in and pucks aren’t. But just keeping a level head and really just trying to bring the best game I can every night, and having confidence in myself that I’m able to contribute at a high level.”