Weaknesses
While Novotny's shot is NHL ready, he has sometimes become too reliant on it, and given how good it is, that's no surprise, but sometimes, he needs to exercise a little more patience and playmaking in the offensive zone. In six games in the OHL Playoffs and 7 World Juniors games, he has just 1 total goal, so if he's to be an NHLer one day, he will need to work on stepping up and making those shots when they most count.
Lastly, speed is increasingly important in the modern game, and unfortunately, Novotny needs to take his to another level if he's going to be able to utilize the impressive shot and the strong transition game at the next level.
NHL Comparisons
Clearly, Novotny has the talent to be an NHLer, and while there's question marks over his game, many consider him to be a winger version of Anaheim Ducks forward (and former No. 3 overall pick) Mason McTavish.
Given his reliance on his shot and his high hockey IQ, Tyler Toffoli is also an apt comparison, and although he may never be good enough to score 30+ goals three times in the NHL, that's the style and the role that he'll be played in, and he's good enough to be a contributor for years in the league.
Fit with the Flames
One thing that the Flames are building in their young players is high hockey IQ, with the likes of Matvei Gridin, Matt Coronato and Zayne Parekh all filling that mold, and in Novotny, they could have a very good finishing middle-six winger.
It's going to be a few years until we see him in the NHL, so while the team may look to bet on high upside and potential rather than a higher floor, lower ceiling, if they were to look at Novotny, they would get a player they can slot into the middle-six for a long time.
When will he be available to the Flames?
With under a month to go until the 2026 NHL Draft, Novotny's average ranking among nine of the biggest outlets in NHL Draft media is No. 15, so while the Flames may prefer a centre, if they see Novotny as a genuine NHLer of the future, they'll need to move up to get him.
Whether or not that's wise is up to General Manager Craig Conroy, but with picks No. 6 and 30/31 overall, there are many prospects heading into the 2026 NHL Draft that the Flames may want but will need to pay significantly to get.
Verdict
Out of all the prospects ranked between 10 and 25 in this loaded 2026 NHL Draft class, Novotny may be the most safe selection of them all, and with a shot that's already NHL quality, with the Flames ready to build things with patience, Novotny may be a very good pick for Conroy, especially if he starts slipping in the first round.
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