Predators should look to Thomas Novak to replace Michael McCarron
With the news that Michael McCarron entered the NHL's Player Assistance Program, the Predators have an opening at center. One player the Predators should consider when making a call up from Milwaukee is Thomas "Tommy" Novak. The Predators drafted Novak in the 3rd round of the 2015 draft. Since then, Novak has spent a lot […]
With the news that Michael McCarron entered the NHL's Player Assistance Program, the Predators have an opening at center. One player the Predators should consider when making a call up from Milwaukee is Thomas "Tommy" Novak. The Predators drafted Novak in the 3rd round of the 2015 draft. Since then, Novak has spent a lot of time in the AHL, where he has quiety put together a series of quality seasons.
Many Preds fans will know the name because Novak joined the Preds in Nashville almost at the start of the season last year, playing center on the 4th line. Novak appeared in 27 games with the Predators before being placed on the COVID-19 list and then went back to the AHL. His 27 games in Nashville were fairly uneventful, only producing a statline of 1-6-7, his lone goal coming in his last game with the team. However, his prior NHL experience shouldn't be the measuring stick for what he can do for the team this time.
As mentioned before, Novak has had very strong season in the AHL, but he tends to fly under the radar. During the 20-21 season, when Milwaukee declined participation in the league, Novak played with the Chicago Wolves. With the Wolves, he finished the season tied for the lead in points at 32, tied with Philip Tomasino, who was one of his regular linemates.
Last season, after heading back to Milwaukee, Novak went back to work, finishing with a statline of 7-27-34, despite only playing in 42 games. His 34 points was good enough for 7th on the team in scoring. This season, he's off to a solid start with 10 goals and 12 assists in 23 games. He leads the team in points and goals and is only one assist away form being tied for the lead.
He's not flashy, but he gets the job done. He's also defensively responsible and not a huge penalty liablility (only 2 PIM!). Based on those factors and his performance, Novak is thriving and would be a great dependable addition the Predators roster while McCarron is away. And, while it's entirely possible that Novak doesn't get the call-up, it's hard to argue with his results and results are exactly what the Predators need right now.
-Featured image via Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports-
