The Pittsburgh Penguins secured another piece of their roster on Friday, signing forward Tommy Novak to a three-year, $13.95 million contract extension. The deal carries a $4.65 million average annual value and begins with the 2027-28 NHL season.The Penguins announced the news on social media, writing, Three more years of Tommy The Penguins have signed forward Tommy Novak to a three-year contract extension.The announcement soon drew reactions across the NHL.The Athletics Josh Yohe wrote, A gentle reminder that the front office and coaching staff appreciate Novak far, far more than does the common fan or the common sportswriter.MORE: Canadiens RFA D-man Arber Xhekaj wants to stay in Montreal, says agentAnalyst Danny Shirey also supported the signing, writing, $4.65M/season is pretty good value for PIT, Shirey wrote. Novak has his limitations, but hes more impactful than many give him credit for. Can play up and down the lineup, can slot in at center or on the wing. Thumbs up from me.Analyst Jason Shetler said, Assessing the Tommy Novak extension: Good deal for a forward whos been more productive than not since coming over from Nashville. A $4.65M AAV is palatable. I prefer Novak as a 3C, but I think hes serviceable enough on the second line. Could also lead to sign & trade.Meanwhile, hockey content creator Mike Bartner wrote, Some of yall just gotta get it through your head that the Penguins aint entering a rebuild/heavy retool until Sid retires (as a Penguin). We can debate whether thats the right or wrong choice, but thats pretty clearly what theyre doing.Penguins reward a dependable middle-six forwardPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) and center Tommy Novak (18) congratulate right wing Egor Chinakhov (middle) at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Novak, 29, was entering the final year of his contract before unrestricted free agency. He earned the extension after producing 16 goals and 42 points in all 82 games during the 2025-26 season. His 42 points ranked seventh on Pittsburgh, and he was the only Penguin to appear in every regular-season game.Acquired from Nashville in March 2025, Novak has quietly become a reliable contributor. The extension also matches Pittsburghs long-term direction. The Penguins finished 41-25-16 last season and returned to the playoffs before losing in the first round.So far, General manager Kyle Dubas has focused on building a younger, deeper roster around Sidney Crosby. Novaks versatility supports that approach. He can play center or wing and move throughout the lineup when needed. Those traits often carry significant value over a long season.MORE: Maple Leafs were crippled by COVID salary cap freeze, says NHL analyst Matthew CauzAt $4.65 million annually, the contract appears reasonable in a rising salary-cap environment. While Novak may not attract headlines like Pittsburghs stars, the organization clearly sees him as an important supporting piece.The early reaction suggests many around the league agree with that evaluation, even if some fans remain unconvinced.