He and Komarov are the RHD they need in the system who can be steady stay-at-home guys with some snarl in puck battles that all the more offensively minded d-men can use as partners. I'm interested to see how those two (and the lefty Novikov) develop over the next couple years.
Prospect Info: Maxim Strbak, RD, Sioux Falls (USHL) - Selection 45OA, 2023
- Thread starter Chainshot
- Start date
He and Komarov are the RHD they need in the system who can be steady stay-at-home guys with some snarl in puck battles that all the more offensively minded d-men can use as partners. I'm interested to see how those two (and the lefty Novikov) develop over the next couple years.
CaliSabresfan24
Registered User
I really like this kid. Hope he becomes a long time player in our top 4
Good we got another Michigan State prospect in Pat Geary to keep Strbak company. Keep talking about Buffalo and build the expectation of being here. Like him as a prospect and think he can help in a couple of years. Always a little worried about taking NCAA guys who are expected to stay in school for a while
Funniest moment of the 3-on-3, non-contact dev camp tournament was him throwing an elbow to create space while he had the puck in the offensive zone.
joshjull
Registered User
Even better they’re roommates. Or at least they were last season.
I think you mean KomarovOne more year at MSU and then Sterby replaces Joker on the team.
Matt Ress
Don't sleep on me
I don't know Russian but I think it's spelled Novikov
Only because he's a year ahead in development.
All good defenders.
I see Novikov as more steady offensively but maybe not a ton of flash.
Komarov I see as the opposite but the sky is the limit if he can fix his wheels.
Maxim that modern steady, reliable bottom pairing guy that doesn't play hot potato but won't rack up a bunch of points.
Last edited:
TheMistyStranger
ミスト
- May 21, 2005
- 31,607
- 7,456
Along with being funny, I loved the desire to make a play and doing what it takes
Zman5778
Moderator
I can't imagine Strbak not needing some time in Rochester. Personally, I think it'll be the Samuelsson plan. 2 years in the NCAA, half-to-full year in Rochester and then doesn't look backOne more year at MSU and then Sterby replaces Joker on the team.
old kummelweck
Registered User
- Nov 10, 2003
- 25,776
- 5,867
Strbak, Sabres excited for next step in development at Michigan State | NHL.com
Defenseman prospect looks to grow offensive game after helping win Big Ten championship as freshman
www.nhl.com
Misko
Registered User
- Sep 30, 2020
- 338
- 560
I don't think Strbak is ever going to pop off the score sheet. I think he might have some offensive potential still as shown by his sharp production increase when playing for Slovakia, but I think he settles in as a defensive stay at home type of player. I still stand by that his closest comparable is probably a slightly shorter but equally as effective Erik Cernak type of player. Expect 10-20pts from him a season at the NHL level at best but likely a beast on the PK and defensive side of the game who will be a nightmare to play against for opponents. Watched him play in college a bit last season and there's no denying his smarts and stamina when it comes to defending. Saw him play a full 4 minute PK without looking particularly gassed, the guy was still blocking and checking at the end of that shift and completed a successful kill. Stuff like that is his bread and butter and he'll be a warrior at the NHL level, a type of dman that every team loves to have.
I can see Strbak make the NHL after another year of college and then a year in Rochester, kind of like Sammy, and then I envision him as being a mainstay RHD anchor on the 2nd or 3rd pair.
It's worth noting that with Levshunov going pro, Strbak is now likely going to be Michigan's #1 dman. This is going to be a big year for him development wise and if he runs away with the increased icetime and opportunity by growing his offensive game, he's going to be a prospect to keep an eye on.
I can see Strbak make the NHL after another year of college and then a year in Rochester, kind of like Sammy, and then I envision him as being a mainstay RHD anchor on the 2nd or 3rd pair.
It's worth noting that with Levshunov going pro, Strbak is now likely going to be Michigan's #1 dman. This is going to be a big year for him development wise and if he runs away with the increased icetime and opportunity by growing his offensive game, he's going to be a prospect to keep an eye on.
Jim Bob
RIP RJ
- Jul 25, 2016
- 4,714
- 3,194
Seems like he and Geary bounced back in the win. The 2nd GF for MSU us a nice left wall pinch from Geary to keep the play going, rims it around to Strbak on the far point for a keep before the play goes back into the LW corner.
Ended up heading up to the Detroit area early to avoid bad weather and used connections to get tickets for the sold out USA NTDP U18 - Michigan State game. Strbak and Geary are sometimes paired together which is fun.
Geary is #2 and Strbak is #8.
Geary is #2 and Strbak is #8.
Geary had a beauty goal from the point and Strbak took a tripping penalty. Michigan State beat up U18 6-2.
