The 29-year-old forward has one season remaining on a three-year, $10.5 million contract (AAV $3.5 million) he signed with the Nashville Predators on March 4, 2024.
Novak had 42 points (16 goals, 26 assists) in 82 games with the Penguins last season and two assists in six Stanley Cup Playoff games.
"I think it was a couple weeks ago, I think they (the Penguins) approached my representation and it all came together pretty quickly," Novak said. "I think for me ... this is somewhere that I really wanted to be. To go into the year and just, you know, not thinking about it and just focusing on the best hockey I can, I think it's valuable for me. I also see it as a good deal and a lot of money for me. So just to go into the season just with that and focusing on playing the best I can, I'm really happy about it.
"It's clear that they believe in me to continue to take steps and they value me as part of the team. So, yeah, it's awesome for me and I'm really happy about it. I'm really enjoying being a Penguin and I'm happy to continue to do so."
"Obviously, they are two very different players," Novak said. "Both amazing. I think 'Chinny' has so much speed that I feel like me and 'Geno' are more pass-first players and he's easy to hit when he's flying. So I think my role is just to try to do the best I can on both sides of the puck and make plays when they're there. They obviously make a lot of plays, but I think they would want me to be the best version of myself, which is making plays through the middle and trying to attack when it's there. It's easy to play with two guys like that, that have such good brains for the game. We had a really good stretch. They're obviously two great players to play with.
"I think, obviously, there's a lot of great players (with Pittsburgh), from the defense all the way through the lineup. Played with a lot of different players and so many smart forwards on the team. Makes it a lot easier. A lot of things go into it, obviously, but I think I have another step I can take as well."
Novak said a big part of taking that step will be maintaining consistency throughout the season.
"I think a lot of it is continuing to grow my confidence in my game and not go through more highs and lows," he said. "I feel like throughout my career has been maybe some streakiness and, hopefully, obviously everyone goes through stretches like that, pucks are going in and pucks aren't, but just keeping a level head and really just trying to bring the best game I can every night. And having confidence in myself that I'm able to contribute at a high level."
Selected by the Predators in the third round (No. 85) of the 2015 NHL Draft, Novak has 159 points (65 goals, 94 assists) in 285 games with Nashville and Pittsburgh and two assists in 12 playoff games.
NHL.com independent correspondent Wes Crosby contributed to this report
