Tommy Novak Does It In Style: Big Game Helps Set New Career Highs

This is technically Tommy Novak's first full season in the NHL and he is finishing up the regular season on a high note as he has just set a new career high in goals and points in the win over the Columbus Blue Jackets in Game 81.

Novak made his NHL debut in 2021-22 and played 27 games, but it was clear he needed some more conditioning in the AHL. Last season he once again earned the promotion by dominating even more in the AHL with 26 points in 25 games. With an opportunity in the Nashville Predators, this gave him the ability to have a breakout season scoring 17 goals and 43 points in 51 games, both career highs until they were just topped.

Novak knew he passed up a couple of chances to shoot for the hat trick in the game, but he joked that he might have regretted one of those and also noted he is a passer as well.

While it was very impressive to put up those kinds of offensive numbers while breaking into the NHL, he wasn't expected to repeat that in 2023-24. He scored 0.33 goals-per-game and 0.84 points-per-game. But just because it wasn't expected and his rates weren't that high this season, doesn't mean he can't return to that in the future.

Related: Predators Close Out Home Slate with 6-4 Win Over Blue Jackets

That being said, Novak just played his 70th game of the season and recorded two goals and three points to move to 18 goals and 45 points on the season. It wasn't a pretty game, but he was one of the leading factors to the offense that was put up against the Blue Jackets.

Novak has settled in nicely to a third line center role and has already been compensated for his efforts with a three-year, $3.5 million AAV deal that kicks in next season. Next season should see him challenge his career highs again.

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