Tommy Novak has solved Pittsburgh's second-line center problem at a bargain

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Daniel Lucente
March 20, 2026 (10:21)

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Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

TribLive reports 28-year-old Tommy Novak, a 2015 third-round Nashville pick, has gone from trade-day heartbreak to Pittsburgh's second-line center at $3.5 million.

Pittsburgh got Novak and Luke Schenn from Nashville on March 5, 2025 for Michael Bunting and a 2026 fourth-round pick.

Novak played two games, broke his leg, and his season was dead on arrival.

Now the Penguins are 34-18-16, and Novak has posted 15-22-37 in 68 games.

That is real No. 2 center value on a contract that runs through 2026-27.

The fit is plain hockey. Novak supports low, makes the wall pass, and keeps the middle lane open for Pittsburgh's top-six wingers.

You can see the calm in his game before the quote lands.

"I'm thankful for the change that was made, honestly. It's good to be here now and with these guys."

- Tommy Novak

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His five power-play goals matter, too. Pittsburgh does not need him to run the unit, just punish loose coverage.

Fans are right to view this as one of Kyle Dubas's cleaner bets.

The ripple is bigger than one comeback story. Novak shrinks the summer shopping list.

If he holds this lane, Pittsburgh can spend on blue-line help or winger speed instead of chasing another center.

That matters right away because the Penguins host Winnipeg on March 21, and center depth changes every matchup card.

This is why the trade looks different now. It is not redemption content, it is roster construction paying off.

Novak is not just healthy again. He has turned a sunk cost into a usable answer for a team still trying to win with its stars.

Previously on HockeyUnplugged

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MARS 20\|91 ANSWERS Tommy Novak has solved Pittsburgh's second-line center problem at a bargain Has Tommy Novak already locked down the Penguins' second-line center job?
Yes	78	85.7 %
No	13	14.3 %
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