RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThe Pittsburgh Penguins secured another piece of their roster on Friday, signing forward Tommy Novak to a three-year, $13.95 million contract extension. The deal carries a $4.65 million average annual value and begins with the 2027-28 NHL season.
The Penguins announced the news on social media, writing, “Three more years of Tommy 🤝 The Penguins have signed forward Tommy Novak to a three-year contract extension.”
The announcement soon drew reactions across the NHL.
The Athletic’s Josh Yohe wrote , “A gentle reminder that the front office and coaching staff appreciate Novak far, far more than does the common fan or the common sportswriter.”
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Analyst Danny Shirey also supported the signing , writing, “$4.65M/season is pretty good value for PIT,” Shirey wrote. “Novak has his limitations, but he’s more impactful than many give him credit for. Can play up and down the lineup, can slot in at center or on the wing. Thumbs up from me.”
Analyst Jason Shetler said , “Assessing the Tommy Novak extension: Good deal for a forward who’s been more productive than not since coming over from Nashville. A $4.65M AAV is palatable. I prefer Novak as a 3C, but I think he’s serviceable enough on the second line. Could also lead to sign & trade.”
Meanwhile, hockey content creator Mike Bartner wrote , “Some of y’all just gotta get it through your head that the Penguins ain’t entering a rebuild/heavy retool until Sid retires (as a Penguin). We can debate whether that’s the right or wrong choice, but that’s pretty clearly what they’re doing.”
Penguins reward a dependable middle-six forward
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) and center Tommy Novak (18) congratulate right wing Egor Chinakhov (middle) at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) Novak, 29, was entering the final year of his contract before unrestricted free agency. He earned the extension after producing 16 goals and 42 points in all 82 games during the 2025-26 season. His 42 points ranked seventh on Pittsburgh, and he was the only Penguin to appear in every regular-season game.
Acquired from Nashville in March 2025, Novak has quietly become a reliable contributor. The extension also matches Pittsburgh’s long-term direction. The Penguins finished 41-25-16 last season and returned to the playoffs before losing in the first round.
So far, General manager Kyle Dubas has focused on building a younger, deeper roster around Sidney Crosby . Novak’s versatility supports that approach. He can play center or wing and move throughout the lineup when needed. Those traits often carry significant value over a long season.
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At $4.65 million annually, the contract appears reasonable in a rising salary-cap environment. While Novak may not attract headlines like Pittsburgh’s stars, the organization clearly sees him as an important supporting piece.
The early reaction suggests many around the league agree with that evaluation, even if some fans remain unconvinced.
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