Buffalo Sabres select Maxim Strbak No. 45 overall in 2023 NHL Draft

On Thursday, the Buffalo Sabres drafted Slovakian defenseman Maxim Strbak No. 45 overall in the 2nd round of the 2023 NHL Draft.

The big European played for the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede last season, recording five goals and 18 points in 43 games. He will continue his North American development with the collegiate Michigan State Spartans next season.

Strbak, who only turned 18 in April, stands 6-foot-2 and already hovers around 200 lbs. He effectively uses his physicality in his own zone by throwing big hits and separating his opponents from the puck.

While he is a decent passer, Strbak’s inability to test goalies from the blueline means that his NHL future is probably as a penalty killer and stay-at-home option, an unglamorous but critical NHL niche. He does not have elite two-way upside, but Strbak could become a reliable option on the Sabres blueline.

Outside of the USHL, Strbak captained Slovakia at the IIHF World Junior Championship. He played over 25 minutes a game at that tournament, and his skating and shutdown instincts did not look out of place against the world’s best prospects.

Strbak’s gutsy, shot-blocking style of play and maturity beyond his years could make him a candidate for leadership roles throughout his career.

“Strbak doesn’t produce much offense, but he uses his size and skating to cut corners off and limit high-danger chances,” said Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis. “His patience with the puck under pressure really stands out.”

Sabres coach Don Granato and GM Kevyn Adams will closely monitor Strbak’s development as an NCAA defenseman next season. If the technical aspects of his game improve, he could be suiting up for the AHL affiliate Rochester Americans, or even the big club, more quickly than expected.