Prospect Info: Maxim Strbak, RD, Sioux Falls (USHL) - Selection 45OA, 2023

[Chainshot]

The development of a defensive dman won't be pretty with points, but this kid once developed is going to be EXACTLY what Buffalo needs.

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.

 

[Chainshot]

 

[CaliSabresfan24]

I really like this kid. Hope he becomes a long time player in our top 4

 

[paulmm3]

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

 

[Chainshot]

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]

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

Even better they’re roommates. Or at least they were last season.

 

[elchud]

One more year at MSU and then Sterby replaces Joker on the team.

 

[Gras]

One more year at MSU and then Sterby replaces Joker on the team.

I think you mean Komarov

 

[Matt Ress]

I think you mean Komarov

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.

 

[TheMistyStranger]

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.

Along with being funny, I loved the desire to make a play and doing what it takes

 

[Zman5778]

One more year at MSU and then Sterby replaces Joker on the team.

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 back

 

[SnuggaRUDE]

Given how slow his start was he’ll need to come out of gate blasting to bypass the AHL. I don’t see it happening.