Novak was a late scratch for Wednesday's game after seemingly suffering an injury in warmups and is considered day-to-day. Luke Evangelista will retain his spot in the lineup in place of Novak.
Novak was a late scratch for Wednesday's game after seemingly suffering an injury in warmups and is considered day-to-day. Luke Evangelista will likely retain his spot in the lineup in place of Novak.
Novak participated fully in warmups and his absence was not announced until just minutes before puck drop. We should expect to receive an update following the completion of Wednesday's game, but it seems likely Novak suffered some sort of injury in warmups.
Novak's production has slipped slightly from the 43 points (17G / 26A) he posted in 51 games last season but has nevertheless been rewarded for another strong campaign. In 51 games this season, Novak has 34 points (13G / 21A) while most recently playing on a line with Mark Jankowski and Luke Evangelista.
Novak has not played since November 11th, battling an upper-body injury, but is expected to make his return on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Before his injury, Novak had 12 points (6G/ 6A), averaged 16:02 time-on-ice, and played predominantly on a line with Kiefer Sherwood and Luke Evangelista.
Novak's absence for the next four to six weeks will be a huge blow to the Predators as he ranked second on the team with 12 points (6G / 6A) in 14 games. Novak was a regular contributor to the Predators' top powerplay unit while regularly playing in the top six at even strength. Cody Glass will likely see his duties elevator while Novak is unavailable to play.
Novak has been a healthy scratch for the Predators' previous two games but will draw back into the lineup Thursday as they take on Boston. The 25-year-old who just signed a one-year extension has four goals, seven assists, 39 SOG, and four PIMs through 20 games this season.
Novak has four goals, 11 points, 39 SOG and four PIMs across 20 games played this season and has signed a one-year extension worth $800,000. The 25-year-old has been enjoying a solid second NHL season and will be happy to sign after only 47 career games.
Novak was returned to Milwaukee (AHL) during the NHL All-Star break so that he could continue to see game action and continued to produce, adding to his 11 goals, 15 points and a +9 plus/minus in 25 games with the Admirals (AHL). He heads back to Nashville, where he was having a great start to his sophmore campaign, with four goals, 11 points and a +2 plus/minus through his first 19 games this season.
Novak had been enjoying a fantastic season in Milwaukee (AHL) prior to his call up, ranking 14th in the AHL in points with 11 goals, and 15 assists in 25 games played. Novak has previousy played 27 games in the NHL prior to this season, collecting a goal and seven points while being a -4 plus/minus.
The Predators had an outbreak before the Christmas break, so on the day where they activated six skaters, they also added three new players to the protocol list, including Novak.
Novak was a healthy scratch in Montreal on Saturday but will replace Mathieu Olivier in the lineup on Monday. Novak has collected five assists in 14 games this season.
Nashville selected Novak all the way back in 2015 as a third-round pick. After finished his four years at the University of Minnesota, Novak joined the Predators AHL affiliate in Milwaukee where he eared an NHL contract by finishing second on the team in assists (31) and third in points (42) in 60 games.
