The Top 25 Under 25 is a collaboration by members of the Die By The Blade community. 92 readers ranked Buffalo Sabres players under the age of 25 as of August 1, 2026. Each participant used their own metric of current ability and production to rank each player.
Maxim Strbak
Drafted: 2023, BUF (45th overall), 2nd round, 13th pick
Position: Defense (shoots right)
Born: 4/13/2005 (Age: 21) Kosice, SVK
2025-2026 stats: GP 37 G 3 A 15 PTS 18 +20, Michigan State University
2025 T25U25 Ranking: 18th last year
And you may ask yourself
“How do I work this?”
And you may ask yourself
“Where is that large automobile?”
And you may ask yourself, “Do the Buffalo Sabres have any freakin’ forwards on this damn list?” I assure you, they do. Just not yet.
We have a batch of wingers and centers coming up soon, I promise. We are simply following YOUR votes! In the meantime, the run on defensemen continues.
Also noteworthy, today’s Top 25 Under 25 is officially the “Not Another RH Defenseman!” edition, and is brought to you by the letter D.
Of course it would be.
Here we go again, but at least the NHL favorability factor is picking up a bit. Like recent write-up Gavin McCarthy, Maxim Strbak was also selected in 2023, is also 21 years old now and was drafted at the same relative size of 6’2″ and 196 pounds. (he is now listed at over 200) He is also coming off three solid years of college hockey like McCarthy and is now turning pro. Strbak attended Michigan State though, another productive collegiate program like Gavin’s Boston University.
Buffalo selected him 45th overall in the second round that year. After three seasons with the Spartans, Strbak finished his college career with 46 points in 102 games and a plus 33 rating. He also helped Michigan State make three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances while winning three Big Ten championships.
In 37 games last season, Maxim finished with 3 goals and 18 points in total. (he was a +20)
Michigan State defenseman Maxim Strbak, right, celebrates a goal scored by Michigan State center Red Savage against Michigan during the third period at Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.
.** As a sidenote, how cool a hockey name is Red Savage? (from the picture above) He sounds like one pissed-off mother F’er. You immediately picture a guy with a black eye, missing a few teeth, and zero interest in hearing your apology. He might just bite your face off your skull. **
In April of 2026, the Sabres signed Strbak to his entry level deal. He snuck in two games with Rochester to close the season, picking up one assist. He looks to be a solid addition for the Amerks on the blueline and should see increasingly big minutes as he adjusts.
Known for his physical, shutdown defensive style and strong skating, the Sabres really like what they see in Maxim Strbak. He is well-adjusted, intelligent, and brings an air of professionalism with him. He should fit in well down in Rochester as he continues to work on his game. His stay-at-home style of play will be a welcome addition to the organization, giving the Amerks another reliable defensive presence.
Good things are expected from Strbak in his continued development. This kid looks to have an NHL future in him but will it materialize in Buffalo?
2026 Buffalo Sabres Top 25 Under 25
#25 Simon-Pier Brunet
#24 Topias Leinonen
#23 Gavin McCarthy
#22 Luke Osburn
#21 David Bedkowski
#20 Maxim Strbak
Related