Penguins Secure Long-Term Future for Tommy Novak
The organization confirmed on Friday that forward Tommy Novak has agreed to a three-year contract extension, with an average annual value of $4.65 million. The deal will begin in the 2027-28 season and runs through the end of the decade, effectively keeping the 29-year-old under contract for the remainder of the 2020s.
Novak’s contribution last season was a key factor in snapping the team’s three-year playoff drought. In 82 games he recorded 16 goals and 26 points, numbers that helped the Penguins return to the postseason and gave the club a much-needed spark.
General manager Ron Hextall praised the forward’s reliability, noting that Novak’s blend of skill and work ethic fits the Penguins’ evolving identity. “We’re excited to have a player who can contribute offensively while embodying the competitive spirit we value,” Hextall said.
A New Era for Pittsburgh
The agreement also marks a symbolic shift for Pittsburgh, a franchise that has long been defined by the legacies of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. As those icons move toward the twilight of their careers, the team is building a new nucleus around younger talent.
By securing Novak for the next ten years, the Penguins aim to provide stability at the forward position while they assess prospects and make strategic moves in free agency and the draft. The contract positions the club to remain competitive as it navigates a transitional period.
Financially, the deal reflects a significant investment in a player who was slated to become a restricted free agent next summer. The $4.65 million average places Novak among the mid-tier earners in the league, balancing the team’s salary-cap considerations with its long-term planning.
Fans can expect to see Novak continue to develop his role on the top lines, potentially pairing with emerging talents or veteran veterans as the Penguins look to blend experience with fresh energy. The extension also offers a narrative thread for supporters who have followed the team’s resurgence.