Pittsburgh Penguins Players Competing in IIHF World Championship
During last week’s locker cleanout day, discussions among the Pittsburgh Penguins revolved around the players who may have the chance to compete for their national teams at the upcoming IIHF World Championship. As it turns out, two Penguins athletes are set to don the colors of Team USA.
Confirmed Players
On Thursday, the organization confirmed that forward Tommy Novak and defenseman Connor Clifton will participate in the prestigious tournament scheduled to be held from May 15 to May 31 in Zurich and Fribourg, Switzerland.
Player Profiles
This tournament marks a significant milestone for both players, as it will be their inaugural experience at the IIHF World Championship level, despite having previously represented the USA at junior and under-18 competitions.
Tommy Novak, aged 29, enjoyed a productive season with the Penguins, netting 16 goals and accumulating a total of 42 points over 82 games. This year marked Novak’s first complete season in Pittsburgh, having been acquired from the Nashville Predators before the 2025 NHL trade evaluations. Over his NHL career, he has reached the 40-point plateau three times, and much of his success this season was attributed to his role centering a line alongside notable teammates Evgeni Malkin and Egor Chinakhov.
On the other hand, Connor Clifton, 31, who is approaching unrestricted free agency, was traded to the Penguins from the Buffalo Sabres during the previous NHL Draft in the summer. Clifton’s aggressive playing style was on display, as he led the Penguins with 180 hits in just 50 games, contributing two goals and six points along the way.
Upcoming Championship Details
Team USA will initiate the preliminary round of the championship on May 15, facing off against Switzerland.
Looking Ahead
As the Penguins look toward the summer, attention turns to the possibilities surrounding their first-round pick in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft, particularly after a season that exceeded expectations in 2025-26, potentially creating trade opportunities.
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