Pittsburgh Penguins Eye Draft Prospect Adam Novotny as 2026 NHL Draft Approaches

As the 2026 NHL Draft approaches, the Pittsburgh Penguins are finalizing their strategy with the No. 22 pick in the first round. One player who has caught their attention is Adam Novotny, a standout from the Peterborough Petes in the OHL.

During the 2025-26 season, Novotny delivered an impressive performance, netting 34 goals and accumulating 65 points in just 58 games. His playoff contributions included one assist in six games, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Recently, he met with the Penguins at the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo, where he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase his skills.

“They showed you your clips, usually negative ones. But, obviously, I think they just want to hear how you’re going to react to many failures,” Novotny remarked. He emphasized the importance of honest feedback, stating, “I always appreciate that feedback, and how is that going to get better, right? So, for sure, I was happy for that.” This openness to critique reflects Novotny’s commitment to growth and development.

What stands out most about Novotny is his powerful shot. Whether it’s a one-timer from the right circle or a stunning overtime winner against the Brantford Bulldogs, he demonstrates a knack for finding the back of the net. His versatility on the power play, moving seamlessly between positions, often confounds opposing penalty killers. He’s not just a scorer; Novotny also possesses a strong two-way game, evidenced by his shorthanded goal against the Niagara IceDogs, where he showcased both skill and speed on a breakaway.

In addition to his offensive prowess, Novotny is known for his tenacity around the net. He isn’t afraid to engage physically, crashing the crease and establishing his presence in high-traffic areas. While his playmaking skills are still developing, he has shown potential with some impressive setups for teammates. His work ethic is commendable; he consistently returns to help defensively and never gives up on a play.

If Adam Novotny is still available when the Penguins make their selection at 22, he could be a prime candidate for the team, aligning well with their desired attributes in a draft pick. As the draft nears, all eyes will be on how the Penguins choose to bolster their roster for the future.

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