To a large degree, Tommy Novak is the architect of his own frequent movement throughout the Pittsburgh Penguins’ lineup.
One of nine remaining players who have suited up for all of the club’s 44 games, Novak has seen action at center (his natural position) plus left and right wing while skating with a variety of linemates.
It has been Novak’s comfortability — regardless of where he is put — that has made him a go-to candidate for coach Dan Muse when it comes to lineup tinkering.
“He can play any forward position, and he has played up and down the lineup,” Muse said. “I think you’ve seen his ability to adapt to new linemates. It’s quick. I’ve mentioned it before. I don’t think he gets nearly enough credit for the work he does on the defensive side of the puck.
“A lot of that has to do with a combination of his sense, but also his stick detail is really good.”
Novak’s most recent assignment has been deputizing at wing on the first line with Sidney Crosby because of a multi-game absence by Bryan Rust, who is nursing an undisclosed injury.
Earlier in the season, Muse turned to Novak for first-line duty when Rickard Rakell was injured.
He also served a stint as second-line center alongside Justin Brazeau and Anthony Mantha when Evgeni Malkin was injured in December, as well as skating as one of Malkin’s wings with Mantha when Brazeau was hurt.
Whether the assignment has been to play next to franchise pillars such as Crosby and Malkin, or team up with young bucks such as rookie Ben Kindel and Ville Koivunen, the 28-year-old Novak has been up to the task.
“I think throughout my career I’ve done a lot of that,” Novak said of his regularly shifting spot in the lineup. “It’s nothing really new, but just sticking to what you want to do with your game every game, stick to the work. It always comes back to that. Try to come back to that and let the rest of it control itself. Just trying to stay within myself and keep working.”
Novak entered the campaign with something to prove.
Last March, he joined the Penguins from Nashville as part of the trade for forward Michael Bunting.
However, he was scarcely able to get accustomed to his new organization and surroundings before suffering a stress fracture in his leg only two games in with the Penguins.
The injury ultimately sidelined Novak for the remainder of the season.
Now healthy, he has produced at a respectable rate, contributing eight goals and 13 assists (21 points) and averaging 13 minutes, 28 seconds of ice time.
Novak also has served as a regular on the Penguins’ power play, averaging 1:06.
“It’s been a lot of fun to play with all these guys,” Novak said of his first full season with the Penguins. “So many great players, we have a great team, we play a fun brand of hockey and it’s fun. Everyone sees the ice well, and we move the puck around well. … I think it’s been a lot of fun to keep growing with these guys and keep playing.”
Originally a third-round (No. 85 overall) pick by Nashville in 2015, Novak played 203 career games for the Predators before being traded to the Penguins.
In 2023-24, he played a career-high 71 games and set career-bests in goals (18), assists (27) and points (45).
The prior season, he had 43 points (17 goals, 26 assists).
This season, Novak is on pace for roughly 15 goals and 24 assists.
When Rust returns to action, Novak’s pinch-hitting on the first line likely will be at an end.
Malkin’s deployment, at wing versus center, also will have implications for how Novak factors in.
Regardless, Muse has seen enough to feel confident wherever Novak might be needed.
“He’s a detailed player that way and, with the puck, you’ve seen a lot of good things,” Muse said. “I think you’ve seen it throughout the year but especially of late.”
