Jiří Novotný (born August 12, 1983) is a Czech professional ice hockey centre for Motor České Budějovice of the Czech Extraliga (ELH).
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.[1] 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.[2]
On July 2, 2014, he signed a two-year contract with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, after Lev Praha announced not to participate in 2014–15 KHL season.[3]
Having returned to the Czech Republic to begin the 2018–19 season with HC Plzeň of the ELH, on September 20, 2018, one day prior to the start of the National League, Novotny was signed to a two-month contract worth CHF 500,000 by HC Ambrì-Piotta to replace injured Bryan Lerg. Novotny will make CHF 84,000 out of this contract. On October 25, 2018, his CHF 500,000 contract was extended through the end of the 2018–19 season.
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