Pittsburgh Penguins Eye Forward Adam Novotny in 2026 NHL Draft

As the anticipation builds for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft on June 26, the Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. General manager Kyle Dubas has made it clear that he aims to take significant strides toward sustainable contention in the upcoming season. This could mean leveraging their 22nd overall pick for a promising young talent or perhaps even trading up to secure a higher-profile player who can make an immediate impact.

If the Penguins opt to stay at their current position, they will still find a wealth of talent available at the 22nd pick. This year’s draft class is notably defense-heavy, particularly at the top end, which aligns with Pittsburgh’s need for bolstering their blue line. However, should they decide to focus on a forward, Adam Novotny from the Peterborough Petes of the OHL emerges as a compelling option.

Novotny’s stock has been on the rise, and with good reason. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Czech forward has drawn comparisons to Pittsburgh’s own Jordan Staal, who has been making waves in the Stanley Cup Final with goals in every game of the series. While Novotny may not possess Staal’s frame, he showcases a similar playing style, combining physicality with finesse. His impressive 34-goal, 65-point performance in 58 games last season highlights his offensive capabilities.

Known for his relentless forechecking, Novotny uses his size effectively to pressure opponents and create turnovers. His style of play is reminiscent of Philadelphia Flyers’ rising star Porter Martone, though Novotny himself likens his game to that of Anaheim Ducks’ forward Mason McTavish, another product of the Petes. What sets Novotny apart is his understanding that improvement is a continuous journey; he’s committed to refining his skills and enhancing his overall game.

“I mean, there’s little stuff I need to work on,” Novotny said during the NHL Scouting Combine. “It starts in the gym, obviously. You have to be explosive in your upper body to have a good shot. Then, on ice, there’s a bunch of stuff you can do.” He emphasized the importance of practice, stating, “Just, you know, shoot like 300 pucks in 30 minutes on a practice, and after a practice, that’s how you get better.”

Novotny possesses the potential to become a solid power forward who can adapt to various roles within a lineup. His versatility and work ethic resonate with what the Penguins are likely seeking in a draft pick. His recent conversations with the Penguins at the combine left a positive impression on him. He appreciated their candid approach, which included reviewing clips of players, particularly those that highlighted areas for improvement.

“They showed you your clips, usually negative ones,” Novotny reflected. “But, obviously, I think they just want to hear how you’re going to react to many failures. I think I did well, and they told me I did a good job.” His preference for honest feedback underscores his desire to grow and succeed.

While there’s a chance that Novotny may not be available when the Penguins make their selection, his escalating draft stock is a testament to his potential as a goal-scorer. If he remains on the board at 22, he could be a worthy investment for Dubas and the Penguins as they look to enhance their roster.

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