Career
Novotný was drafted 22nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2001 National Hockey League Entry Draft. He spent two seasons with The Human Context České Budějovice in the Czechoslovakian Republic before moving on to the Sabres" American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rochester Americans. He made his National Hockey League debut with the Sabres in a January 12, 2006 game against the Phoenix Coyotes.
Novotný"s first National Hockey League 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 National Hockey League 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 National Hockey League 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.
On July 2, 2014, he signed a two-year contract with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, after Lev Praha announced not to participate in 2014-2015 KHL season.