Thomas Novak Bio
Thomas Novak is an American professional ice hockey forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on April 28, 1997, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Novak was drafted with the 85th overall pick by the Nashville Predators in the third round of the 2015 NHL entry draft. After beginning his professional career with the Predators organization, Novak established himself as a reliable scoring forward before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in March 2025. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 190 pounds, he plays the forward position and shoots left.
Early Life and Background
Novak was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to John and Patti Novak. Although he was born in Minnesota, he was raised in River Falls, Wisconsin, where he developed his passion for hockey at a young age. His early exposure to the sport in the upper Midwest, a region renowned for producing elite hockey talent, provided him with the foundation for his future career.
Novak attended Saint Thomas Academy for his high school hockey career, playing for the Cadets from 2012 to 2014. His performance at the high school level caught the attention of scouts and junior hockey programs, setting the stage for his transition to competitive junior hockey.
Path to Professional Hockey
Following his high school career, Novak joined the Waterloo Black Hawks of the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the 2014-15 season. His outstanding play with the Black Hawks earned him an invitation to the prestigious CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game in 2014, further elevating his profile among NHL scouts.
Novak’s strong junior career led to his selection in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, where the Nashville Predators chose him with the 85th overall pick in the third round. This achievement represented a significant milestone in his journey toward professional hockey.
After being drafted, Novak pursued college hockey at the University of Minnesota, joining the Minnesota Golden Gophers program from 2015 to 2019. Playing in one of the top collegiate hockey conferences allowed him to refine his skills against high-level competition while continuing his education.
Thomas Novak Career
Early Professional Career (2019-2021)
After completing his college career in 2019, Novak signed with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL) on March 20, 2019. The Admirals served as the primary development affiliate for the Nashville Predators, giving Novak an opportunity to continue his growth as a professional player.
Novak quickly made an impact in the AHL, earning AHL Rookie of the Month honors for November 2019. His strong rookie season demonstrated his ability to compete at the minor-league level and positioned him for a potential call-up to the NHL.
Nashville Predators Era (2021-2025)
Novak signed his entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators on March 25, 2020, officially joining the organization full-time. He made his NHL debut on October 19, 2021, taking the next step in his professional career after developing in the AHL.
A significant milestone came on December 17, 2021, when Novak scored his first NHL goal. He found the back of the net against Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury in a 3-2 Nashville victory. This moment marked his arrival as an NHL player.
Novak continued to develop his game with the Predators. He re-signed with the team in July 2022 on a one-year contract and signed another one-year deal on February 8, 2023. The 2022-23 NHL season proved to be a breakthrough year, as Novak finished with 17 goals, demonstrating consistent scoring ability at the highest level.
During the 2023-24 season, Novak suffered an upper-body injury and was placed on injured reserve on November 14, 2023. He returned to the lineup on December 7 after missing 11 games. On March 4, 2024, the Predators recognized his contributions by signing him to a three-year, $10.5 million contract extension, securing his future with the organization through 2027.
Pittsburgh Penguins Era (2025-Present)
A major change in Novak’s career occurred on March 5, 2025, when the Predators traded him to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins acquired Novak along with Luke Schenn in exchange for Michael Bunting and a fourth-round draft pick. This move represented a new chapter in his NHL career.
In his second game with the Penguins, Novak suffered a stress fracture in his leg. The injury required him to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 NHL season, a challenging setback early in his tenure with his new team. Despite this setback, Novak’s established track record suggests he will look to bounce back and contribute to the Penguins’ lineup in future seasons.
Playing Style and Strengths
Novak has established himself as a reliable two-way forward with solid offensive instincts. His ability to score consistently at the NHL level was highlighted by his 17-goal season with Nashville. Playing primarily at center or wing, he demonstrates good vision and playmaking ability while also being responsible in his own end of the rink.
Notable Events and Milestones
Novak’s career has been marked by steady progression from junior hockey through college and into professional ranks. His first NHL goal against future Hall of Fame goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury stands out as a memorable moment in his career. The three-year, $10.5 million contract he signed with Nashville in 2024 reflected the organization’s confidence in his abilities and contributions.
Thomas Novak Career Statistics
Novak has compiled his NHL career statistics across multiple seasons with the Nashville Predators before joining the Pittsburgh Penguins. His most productive season came in 2022-23 when he scored 17 goals while establishing himself as a regular in the Predators lineup.
NHL Highlights
Novak made his NHL debut with the Nashville Predators on October 19, 2021, and scored his first career NHL goal on December 17, 2021, against Marc-Andre Fleury of the Chicago Blackhawks. His 17-goal performance during the 2022-23 season represented his career high to that point. As of his time with Nashville, he appeared in over 100 NHL games and demonstrated consistent scoring ability.
International Play
Before his professional career, Novak represented the United States at the international level. He helped lead the United States national under-18 team to a bronze medal at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. Additionally, he recorded seven points in four games as a member of the United States national junior team at the 2014 World Junior A Challenge, showcasing his offensive talent against other top North American prospects.
Thomas Novak Family
Family Background
Novak was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to John and Patti Novak. His upbringing in River Falls, Wisconsin, placed him in an area known for strong youth hockey programs and a passion for the sport in the upper Midwest. This family foundation and regional environment contributed to his development as a professional athlete.
Personal Life
Novak currently resides in River Falls, Wisconsin. His hockey background includes a strong educational foundation, having graduated from Saint Thomas Academy before playing college hockey at the University of Minnesota. He continues to maintain connections to his Wisconsin roots while pursuing his professional hockey career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NHL season marked a transitional year for Novak following his trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 5, 2025. After spending several seasons establishing himself with the Nashville Predators, the trade represented a new opportunity with a storied NHL franchise.
Novak’s season with the Penguins was cut short due to a leg stress fracture sustained in his second game with the team. The injury occurred early in his tenure with Pittsburgh and forced him to miss the remainder of the campaign. This setback came at an inopportune moment as he was adjusting to a new team and system.
Despite the injury, Novak’s body of work from his time with Nashville, including his 17-goal season and consistent offensive contributions, provides a strong foundation for his future with the Penguins organization. As he recovers and prepares for the 2025-26 season, Novak will look to build on his NHL experience and help contribute to the Penguins’ continued competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.