Out
Injury Lower Body
Est. Return 9/15/2025
2024 Stats
G
13
A
9
PP Pts
5
+/-
-7
PIM
4
2025 Projections
2025 Fantasy Outlook
Traded near the deadline from Nashville, Novak only got to play in two games with the Penguins before he lost the rest of the season due to a lower-body injury. All of his 22 points (13 goals, nine assists) came in the 52 games he played with the Predators. Much of his potential with Pittsburgh will depend on what his role with the team ends up being. He won’t displace Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin for center roles in the top six, and it remains to be seen how much usage he'll get on the power play. He’s been an efficient scorer during his time in the NHL, now spanning over 200 games with a 15.2 shooting percentage in his career. If he’s put in a position to succeed and can stay healthy, Novak could be a candidate for the first 20-goal season of his career. Read Past Outlooks
Signed a three-year, $10.5 million contract extension with the Predators in March of 2024.
Done for season
Novak (lower body) will miss the remainder of the season, Josh Yohe of The Athletic reports Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Novak has been out of action since March 9. He ends the 2024-25 campaign with 13 goals and nine assists over 52 games with Nashville, and he was shut out in two games with the Penguins after being traded at the deadline.
Novak has been out of action since March 9. He ends the 2024-25 campaign with 13 goals and nine assists over 52 games with Nashville, and he was shut out in two games with the Penguins after being traded at the deadline.
NHL Stats
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2024 NHL Game Log
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2024 NHL Game Log
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2024–25 Time On Ice Stats
- Average Time On Ice: 13:14
- Average Power Play TOI: 1:21
- Average Short-Handed TOI: 0:01
- Average Time On Ice: 13:01
- Average Power Play TOI: 0:38
- Average Short-Handed TOI: 0:02
Ice Time
Power Play
Short-Handed
2022–23
14:39
2:30
0:01
2023–24
14:12
2:03
0:01
2024–25
13:14
1:21
0:01
2024–25
13:01
0:38
0:02
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Past Fantasy Outlooks
2024
2023
Serving primarily as Nashville's third-line center, Novak provided 18 goals and 45 points across 71 regular-season contests last year. Although it was just his third NHL campaign, he's 27 years old, so he shouldn't be confused for a prospect. Still, Novak is offensively capable enough to step up if given a bigger role. More specifically, if he ends up on the Predators' second line with free-agent additions Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, then Novak would be in a prime position to push for the 60-point milestone. It's not a foregone conclusion that the Minnesota native will get that role, but it is a real possibility, making Novak a strong buy-low candidate.
More Fantasy News
Might miss rest of regular season
Although Novak (lower body) is making progress in his recovery, coach Mike Sullivan isn't sure if the 27-year-old will return before the end of the regular season, Seth Rorabaugh of Tribune-Review Sports reports Saturday.
ANALYSIS
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Remains sidelined
Novak (lower body) won't play Thursday versus the Sabres.
ANALYSIS
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Still out Tuesday
Novak (lower body) won't play in Tuesday's game versus the Lightning.
ANALYSIS
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Won't play against Florida
Novak (lower body) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Panthers.
ANALYSIS
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Unavailable against Jackets
Novak (lower body) will not be in the lineup versus Columbus on Friday, Dan Potash of Sportsnet Pittsburgh reports.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Could be on the move
Novak is expected to be traded to the Penguins, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports Wednesday
ANALYSIS
Novak looked poised to be the Predators' second-line center down the stretch, but a trade would change those plans. He's unlikely to be anything more than a third-line center in Pittsburgh. Luke Schenn is also rumored to be in the deal for the Penguins, with Michael Bunting heading the other way to the Predators.
Novak looked poised to be the Predators' second-line center down the stretch, but a trade would change those plans. He's unlikely to be anything more than a third-line center in Pittsburgh. Luke Schenn is also rumored to be in the deal for the Penguins, with Michael Bunting heading the other way to the Predators.