Filip Novák
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Filip Novák (born May 7, 1982 in České Budějovice, Czechoslovakia) is a professional ice hockey defenseman who is property of the National Hockey League's Columbus Blue Jackets. Novák is an offensively skilled defenseman who is currently playing in the American Hockey League, but may make it to the NHL in time.
Novák played junior hockey with HC Budejovice in his native Czech Republic and with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League before he was drafted by the New York Rangers in the 2nd round (64th overall) of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. After being drafted, he spent a further two seasons with Regina.
On March 8, 2002 he was part of a blockbuster trade that sent Novák, Igor Ulanov, a 1st round selection in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft (later traded to Calgary Flames - Eric Nystrom), a 2nd round selection in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft (Rob Globke) and a 4th round selection in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft to the Florida Panthers for Pavel Bure and a 2nd round selection in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft (Lee Falardeau). At the end of that season, he sustained a serious injury that kept him off the ice until the 2004-2005 season, when he played with the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League.
Prior to the start of the 2005-2006 NHL season (on October 5, 2005), Novák was traded to the Ottawa Senators for a 6th round selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
On August 8, 2006, Novák signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets as an unrestricted free agent.
