Novak: Czech Riser with Smart Two-Way Game

0:00On April 24th, Philip Novak is a left winger from Czechia, born March 7th, 2008, standing 6 foot 1 and weighing 100, 98 pounds. He's with 8C Sparta Praha's under 20 team and eligible for the 2026 NHL draft. Central scouting ranks him 22nd among European skaters, though other lists have him mid-round, like 35th or 46th. This season, he lit up the check under 20 league with 35 points and 28 games, hitting over a point per game. He also got pro reps, grabbing 4 assists in 11 games with a 2nd tier team and 6 points in 10 playoff outings. Earlier, he chipped in 4 points at the Lincoln-Gretzky Cup for Czechia. Scouts love his steady two-way game, no flash, just smart reads, solid positioning, and using his size for puck protection. He's reliable defensively, battling hard to break up plays, and offensively, he finds soft spots for chances, especially around the net.

1:00Rankings vary, but writers see him as a 2nd or 3rd round value pick, with strong junior production and pro glimpses boosting his stock. He's got good hands and awareness, though he needs more speed and shot power. Novak's the type who elevates teams wherever he lands, projecting as a dependable bottom 6 guy with 3rd line energy across all zones, keep watching. This Czech riser climb into contention. Team coverage, powered by AI, this is NHL News Today, I'm Corey with the story.