Robby Stanley, an independent correspondent for NHL.com, provided insights for this report.
Nashville Predators’ team captain Roman Josi praised Novak’s incredible performance, stating that his journey is inspiring. Although he is still young, he is not the youngest member on the team. Josi recalled being impressed by Novak’s skills during his first game on the team two or three years ago. However, he faced some injuries that caused setbacks. Since returning to the team, Novak has proven to be an outstanding player and a skilled playmaker.
The center, aged 26, has accumulated 34 points (13 goals, 21 assists) in 51 games so far this season. Last season, while playing for Nashville, he had a career-high 43 points (17 goals, 26 assists) in 51 games.”It’s definitely something you think about,” Novak said. “Just to have that security and to be here for the next three years, I can just focus on playing hockey now. Not that I wasn’t before, but it just gives you peace of mind for sure.”
The Nashville Predators (35-25-2) are currently on an eight-game winning streak and are tied with the Los Angeles Kings for the first wild card spot in the Western Conference.A third-round pick (No. 85) by the Predators in the 2015 NHL Draft, Novak has 84 points (31 goals, 53 assists) in 129 NHL games. He has yet to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Novak had the option to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
“I find it quite incredible, looking back on when I first started playing hockey and considering how far I’ve come within this organization,” said Novak. “It’s truly a special experience, and I am extremely thankful to the organization for the opportunities they have provided me.”
On Monday, Tommy Novak agreed to a three-year deal worth .5 million with the Nashville Predators. The contract has an average yearly worth of .5 million.