Nashville Predators sign Tommy Novak to three-year contract extension worth $10.5 million

After some speculation he would be traded at the deadline, the Nashville Predators announced today they've signed Tommy Novak to a three-year contract extension worth $10.5 million.

The contract extension will keep Novak in Nashville through 2027.

Several reports linked Tommy Novak to contending playoff teams, including the New York Rangers and Edmonton Oilers. During the weeks-long speculation, with the Predators working on contract negotiations with Novak, Barry Trotz said he "couldn't let a guy like Novak go for nothing."

The announcement comes with the Predators in the middle of a season-best eight-game win streak during which Novak has seven points.

Novak was selected in the third round of the 2015 NHL Draft but didn't make his NHL debut until 2021. As a "late bloomer," his path to the NHL was different than most prospects, but he eventually proved himself a skilled center with a slick passing sense and quick hands in tight spaces.

Novak scored 17 goals and added 26 assists in 51 games for the Predators last season, a breakout performance for the 25-year-old. He signed a one-year, $800,000 extension with Nashville on Feb. 8.

This season, Novak has struggled at times, but he's still managed 34 points in 51 games. He missed 11 games in November/December due to a hand injury.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Predators: Tommy Novak signs $10.5 million contract extension