Barnabas Novak

Barnabas Novak — 2026 NHL Draft Scouting Report **HC Sparta Praha U20 | F | CZE | Age 19**

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Player Overview Novak is a 19-year-old Czech forward playing for HC Sparta Praha's U20 program who earned selection to the Czech U20 national team for the Nordic tournament in Sweden, indicating he registers on the national program's radar heading into the 2026 draft cycle.

Current Production Over his last 10 games at the U20 level, Novak has posted 0 goals and 3 assists for 3 points at a minus-1, a modest output that positions him as a peripheral offensive contributor rather than a primary driver at his current level. The complete absence of goals across that stretch raises legitimate questions about his finishing ability and his capacity to convert opportunities independently.

Key Attributes Novak's production profile — built entirely on assists in the recent sample — suggests his value is more likely rooted in read-and-react playmaking and puck distribution than in shot generation or individual scoring. His inclusion in Czech U20 international competition indicates he brings enough compete or two-way structure to merit a roster spot at that level, even amid the team's broader offensive struggles exemplified by a scoreless performance against Finland.

2026 Draft Outlook Given the thin statistical profile and a competitive age-group field, Novak projects as a late-round candidate at best in June 2026. Before then, he must demonstrate an ability to produce at even strength and register at least a credible goal-scoring threat to elevate his standing with evaluators.