Jiří Novotný (born August 12, 1983 in Pelhřimov, Czechoslovakia) is a Czech ice hockey centre.

 

He was drafted 22nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. Novotny spent two seasons with HC České Budějovice in the Czech Republic before moving on to the Sabres' 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.

 

Jiri Novotny is best friends with former Sabres teammate Aleš Kotalík.

 

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 a prospect. Though he was scheduled to become a restricted free agent at the conclusion of the season, he was not extended a qualifying offer by the Capitals, making him an unrestricted free agent. He was signed by the Columbus Blue Jackets on July 3, 2007