#PredsCamp Player Profile: Tommy Novak

Tommy Novak's stellar rookie season with the Milwaukee Admirals was enough to earn his first NHL contract.
The 23-year-old forward signed a two-year, entry-level deal with the Predators back in March, after his first full professional season saw him record 42 points (11g-31a) in 60 games. The 6-foot-1, 191-pound center ranked among the AHL's rookie leaders in multiple categories - second in plus-minus (+20), third in assists (31) and seventh in points (42). His 42 points were also the most by a first-year Milwaukee skater since the 2015-16 season.

"Tommy is a person who has earned everything that he's been given," Admirals GM and Predators Director of Player Development Scott Nichol said in March. "We've wanted him in our system for a long time - he signed an AHL deal with Milwaukee for this season and has had a fantastic year. We love his skillset, his hockey sense, how he makes plays and how he sees the ice so well. We're excited to have him with us for the next couple of seasons and are looking forward to seeing him continue to grow and develop as a player."
The Predators selected Novak in the third round of the 2015 NHL Draft, and after a four-year career at the University of Minnesota, he's hoping to take another step forward during Preds training camp.
By the Numbers:
- Novak posted two separate four-point outings in 2019-20, and four of his 11 multi-point games came in consecutive contests from Jan. 24 to Feb. 1, a stretch that saw him record a goal and nine assists.
- He became the first Admirals player since 2015 to earn AHL Rookie of the Month honors after tallying 13 points (3g-10a) in 12 games to help Milwaukee post a franchise-best 13-game win streak.
- Novak tallied 88 points (18g-70a) in 129 games during his time as a Golden Gopher.
Fun Fact:
- Novak was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection at the University of Minnesota.