Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Sabres have inked Michigan State defenseman Maxim Strbak to a three-year entry level contract. He then put his name on The soon to be 21-year-old spent three seasons with Michigan State scoring eight goals and 38 assists for 46 points in 102 games.
Buffalo didn't draft him in the second-round of the 2023 Draft for his scoring, they drafted him for his size and toughness.
At 6'2, 205 pounds, Strbak is small compared to 2024 second-round pick Adam Kleber and 2025 first-rounder Radim Mrtka. Strbak signed a ATO for the rest of the season with the Rochester Americans. Rochester lost captain Zach Metsa thanks to a callup to the NHL. They are also without two other defensemen Ryan Johnson and Jack Rathbone who are out for the season.
A few weeks ago 2023 third-round pick Gavin McCarthy signed after three seasons at B.U. In three games with the Amerks he's been held scoreless.
Strbak one of three huge right handed shooting defensemen drafted in the first or second round.
