Penguins Secure Tommy Novak with Three-Year Contract Extension

The Pittsburgh Penguins made a significant move on Friday by signing forward Tommy Novak to a three-year contract extension, a deal that will ensure he remains with the team through the 2029-30 season. This extension comes just as Novak was poised to enter free agency in 2027, reflecting the team’s commitment to retaining key talent.

The contract, which has an average annual value of $4.65 million, will begin in the 2027-28 season. Novak, who turns 30 during this deal, had a notable 2025-26 season with the Penguins, contributing 16 goals, 26 assists, and 42 points in all 82 games. His performance ranked him seventh on the team in points and fifth in power-play goals, demonstrating his value in crucial situations. Furthermore, he added two assists in six playoff games last season, solidifying his role as a reliable contributor.

Over his five seasons in the NHL, split between the Penguins and the Nashville Predators, Novak has accumulated 65 goals, 94 assists, and 159 points across 285 games. His standout season came in 2023-24 when he achieved career highs with 18 goals, 27 assists, and 45 points in 71 games with Nashville. Before turning professional, the St. Paul, Minnesota native showcased his skills at the University of Minnesota, where he recorded 88 points in 129 games.

Novak also represented Team USA at the 2026 World Championship, leading the team with seven assists and eight points in eight games. His versatility is a key asset for the Penguins, as he can seamlessly transition between playing on the wing and at center, adapting to the team’s needs as necessary.

Notably, Novak’s contract extension comes at a time when NHL salaries are on the rise due to an increasing salary cap. His new deal reflects only a slight raise from the $3.5 million he will earn in the 2026-27 season, making it a savvy move for the Penguins.

Beyond the statistics, Novak’s game is characterized by his exceptional puck-handling ability and strong neutral zone play, qualities that have made him a favorite among coaches. His capacity to carry the puck out of the defensive zone into the offensive zone is among the best, and he excels at setting up teammates once in the attacking end, even if he doesn’t always find the back of the net himself.

This three-year contract is somewhat rare for the Penguins, who have typically reserved such terms for entry-level deals. Since 2023, only Yegor Chinakhov and Blake Lizotte have received similar extensions, alongside the inherited contract of Kaeden Korczak. With Novak now added to this mix, along with Ryan Graves’ long-term deal, the Penguins have streamlined their roster for the 2028-29 season.

As the franchise approaches a potential transitional phase following the iconic era of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, securing Novak as a part of their future plans signals the team’s intention to remain competitive while they navigate the changes ahead.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.