Kelowna forward Pavel Novak catches eye of NHL scouts

Photo: Wayne Moore/file

Pavel Novak

Kelowna Rockets forward Pavel Novak has caught the attention of NHL Central Scouting.

The 17-year-old rookie from Tabor in the Czech Republic has cracked the Top 100 list of North American skaters in the final rankings prior to the NHL draft.

Novak is rated 85th by Central Scouting.

In his first season in the WHL, Novak led the Rockets in scoring with 25 goals and 33 assists in 55 games.

His 58 points were third among all rookies in the league.

He also led the team in goals and game winning goals (five), and was tied with Nolan Foote with eight power play markers.

Novak began the season as a C prospect, and climbed up the rankings, listed 89th among North American skaters in January.

His current ranking could see the Czech product selected in the third or fourth of the upcoming draft.

The NHL draft was scheduled for the end of June in Montreal, however, everything has been put on hold during to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The league paused its season a month ago. While internal talks continue on how to move forward, a firm decision has not yet been made.

The draft would not happen until the season is officially concluded one way or another.