This future golden gopher is not an overly big guy or strong guy. He is smart, slippery and
really thinks his way around the ice well. We really like a lot of the subtleties that Novak’s game
brings. He has high-end, creative hands. Handles the puck well, reads the play at an elite level
and has a quick stick along the walls. He’s slippery with good edge work and is tough to handle
around the offensive zone, hardly ever being pinned down. Plays a perimeter game and does
not like to get physical. When he does go the net, arriving right at the same time as a rebound
pops off the stopper’s pads for a secondary chance, he makes things happen. He also knows
when to stay out on the perimeter. His game is a bit one-dimensional, but despite that lack of
well-rounded game, his one dimension is extremely good and can be game changing. He’s
smart and talented offensively but will need to get bigger, stronger and faster before playing
that game effectively at the next level. Defensively he doesn’t really provide much in the way
of value or grit, looking lazy and disinterested when he does venture into his own zone. Battles
consistency and can go invisible for long stretches at a time. We feel he is one of those top six
offensive scorer or bust type of prospects.  (May 2015)