Tommy Novak signs contract extension with Nashville Predators
Tommy Novak has been a solid addition to the Nashville Predators this season. The Predators recalled Novak from their AHL affiliate Milwaukee Admirals earlier this season after forward Michael McCarron entered the NHL Player's Assistance Program. Novak seemed like the best option for replacing McCarron after performing well for the Predators last season and the […]
Tommy Novak has been a solid addition to the Nashville Predators this season. The Predators recalled Novak from their AHL affiliate Milwaukee Admirals earlier this season after forward Michael McCarron entered the NHL Player's Assistance Program. Novak seemed like the best option for replacing McCarron after performing well for the Predators last season and the Admirals this season.
Michael McCarron has completed the assistance program and has been playing in Milwaukee since returning. However, Novak remains in Nashville and has made a good case for staying there. He's done well enough (4-7-11 in 20 games) that Predators General Manager David Poile went ahead and signed him to a contract extension through next season.
The contract is worth $800,000 and is good for one season. Novak was set to become a restricted free agent at the season's conclusion. However, Poile has been on a bit of a streak recently of signing pending free agents.
Novak's signing comes on the heels of another, slightly more controversial, contract. On Monday, David Poile signed Cole Smith, a pending UFA, to a one-year $775,000 contract.
Timing of contract extensions raises questions
It seems a bit peculiar that David Poile is working on pending free agent signings as the trade deadline approaches. As a restricted free agent, this is business that could safely wait until the end of the season.
However, there is speculation that these signings indicate that the Predators are likely to make a move before the trade deadline. What type of move they're likely to make is the bigger question. Will the team try to acquire a difference maker or is it time to start looking to sell off assets to the highest bidder? This move will only add to the speculation. One thing is for certain, the Predators are confident they want Tommy Novak back next season and now they have him for a great price.
–featured image via Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports–
