Tommy Novak quietly became one of the most reliable pieces for the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2025-26 season. The 28-year-old center was the only Penguin to suit up for all 82 regular-season games and all six playoff contests — a testament to his durability and the trust the coaching staff placed in him.
Acquired from the Nashville Predators at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, Novak barely had time to settle in before an injury cut his first stint short. This season, however, was his first real opportunity to make an impression in Pittsburgh. For the most part, he delivered.
The start was rocky. Novak struggled to find his footing in October, and his playoff performance didn't quite match the regular-season standard. But in between, he emerged as a versatile middle-six forward who could slot up and down the lineup and thrive in a variety of roles. His ability to drive possession stood out — he ranked among the team's best forwards in that regard, consistently tilting the ice in Pittsburgh's favor.
Digging into the numbers, Novak's underlying metrics tell a compelling story. Among 18 Penguins forwards who logged at least 150 minutes, he ranked third in expected goals percentage (53.9%) and fourth in scoring chance percentage (54.0%). His playmaking was elite, too, posting the third-best assist rate per 60 minutes (1.35) among the group. But the scoring touch wasn't always there — he managed just 10 goals at even strength, and both his personal shooting percentage and the team's on-ice shooting percentage when he was on the ice lagged behind expectations.
WAR metrics, which measure a player's overall value, are high on Novak. His offensive contributions are clear, and this season marked a noticeable improvement in his defensive game during his first full year in Pittsburgh. If he can sharpen his finishing ability, the production could climb even higher.
That consistency — even during cold streaks — is precisely why Novak became a fixture in the lineup. For a Penguins team looking to maximize every shift, he's proving to be a steady, versatile asset worth watching as he enters the final year of his contract at a $3.5 million cap hit.