Buffalo Sabres Lock Up Defensive Prospect Maxim Strbak with Three-Year Deal

The Buffalo Sabres are actively bolstering the Amerks’ defensive depth, officially signing prospect Maxim Strbak to a three-year, entry-level contract. While his new NHL deal isn’t set to officially kick in until the 2026-27 season, the 20-year-old defenseman is joining the Rochester Americans on an Amateur Tryout (ATO) for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. This gives fans an early look at the physical blueliner right now, even as the exact financial terms of his future Sabres contract remain undisclosed.

Selected by Buffalo in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft after an impressive stint with the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede, Strbak has spent the last three seasons developing his game at the collegiate level. Now, he is ready to take the next step in his professional hockey journey.

A Proven Winner at Michigan State

During his time at Michigan State, Strbak established himself as a highly reliable force on the back end. Across 102 career games for the Spartans, he racked up 46 points—including eight goals and 38 assists—while maintaining an excellent plus-33 rating.

His presence on the ice directly translated to team success. Strbak was an instrumental part of a Michigan State roster that secured two Big Ten Championships and made three consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament. In his most recent season alone, he was the second-highest-scoring defenseman on the team with 18 points in 37 games. He also tied for 10th across the entire Big Ten conference with a plus-20 rating while blocking an impressive 38 shots.

Physicality and International Pedigree

For fans wondering what type of player is coming to the Sabres organization, Strbak’s game is built on being incredibly difficult to play against. He is widely viewed by the development staff as a premier shutdown defender who combines high-level skating ability with an intense, physical edge.

Beyond his collegiate success, the Kosice, Slovakia native—who spent his formative years growing up in Finland—brings significant international experience to the table. Strbak has proudly represented Slovakia at four different IIHF World Junior Championships. Over 19 tournament games from 2022 to 2025, he tallied 16 points. He was especially dominant as a playmaker during the 2024 tournament, finishing tied for the most assists among all participating defensemen with six.

Expanding the Defensive Pipeline

Strbak’s signing continues a busy spring for the Sabres’ front office as they transition their collegiate prospects into the pro ranks. He is the second college defenseman to ink a deal with Buffalo following the conclusion of the regular NCAA hockey season.

He follows in the footsteps of Clarence, New York native Gavin McCarthy, who signed his own three-year, entry-level contract in mid-March following a three-year career at Boston University. McCarthy has already taken the ice on an amateur tryout agreement with the AHL’s Rochester Americans, giving fans a glimpse of the youthful defensive talent making its way through the Sabres system.