Jiří Novotný

Jiří Novotný (born August 12, 1983 in Pelhřimov, Czechoslovakia) is a Czech professional ice hockey centre currently playing for the HC Ambrì-Piotta of the NLA.

Playing career
Novotný was drafted 22nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. He spent two seasons with HC České Budějovice in the Czech Republic before moving on to the Sabres' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rochester Americans. He made his NHL debut with the Sabres in a January 12, 2006 game against the Phoenix Coyotes.

Novotný's first NHL point came in his second game, when he assisted on a Daniel Paille goal against the Los Angeles Kings on January 14, 2006. His first NHL goal came in his sixth game, against the Florida Panthers on February 11, 2006.

He was traded on February 27, 2007 to the Washington Capitals with a 1st round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft for Dainius Zubrus and Timo Helbling. At the conclusion of the season, he was not extended a qualifying offer by the Capitals, making him an unrestricted free agent.

On July 3, 2007, Novotný was signed by the Columbus Blue Jackets to a two-year contract.

International play
Played for the Czech Republic in:


 * 2007 World Championships
 * 2008 World Championships
 * 2010 World Championships
 * 2011 World Championships
 * 2012 World Championships
 * 2013 World Championships
 * 2014 Winter Olympic Games
 * 2014 World Championships
 * 2015 World Championships