The Pittsburgh Penguins have committed $13.95 million to forward Tommy Novak with a lengthy three-year 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."
Pittsburgh, 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.
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.
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.
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. 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."
Analyst Danny Shirey also supported the signing, writing, "$4.65M/season is pretty good value for PIT." Shirey believes Novak has his limitations but is more impactful than many give him credit for.
Meanwhile, hockey content creator Mike Bartner noted that the Penguins aren't entering a rebuild until Sidney Crosby retires. This is a key part of their long-term strategy.
As the Penguins look to build for the future, Novak's contract extension is a significant piece of the puzzle. His reliability and versatility make him an important contributor to the team.
Source: Yahoo Sports