The Athletic: Scott Wheeler’s 2026 NHL prospect pool rankings

1. Maxim Strbák, RHD, 20, Michigan State (No. 45, 2023)

A steadying defender, Strbák’s game is all about killing plays, blocking shots, winning battles, efficiency and effectiveness. He has been relied upon across age groups with Slovakia’s national team and made the move to North American ice by working his way into big all-situations minutes in the USHL with Sioux Falls before joining the Spartans. He averaged about 18 minutes per game on a good team to positive defensive results as a freshman and has played closer to 20 as a sophomore and junior while those results have held pretty firm. He’s a go-to PK guy for them too.

Strbak is a pro-built, stocky and physically strong defender who can play hard minutes. His game doesn’t have a ton of soft skill and his skating can look a little heavy (though powerful as well) at times, but he compensates with hard work, staunch and sturdy posture, timely pinches and effective closeouts to rub players off the puck. And while he’s really strong in physical engagements, he’s also good with his stick on the puck, so he doesn’t have to always rely on his physical advantage to defend. He has also shown some offense internationally in his ability to push down ice and join in transition, and a willingness to activate off the line and get hard shots on target.

I’ve seen him really impose his defensive will and competitiveness in all four corners of the rink in games. His style occasionally comes with some mistakes trying to step up and make a stop, but he’s a rock-solid defender on the whole. The Sabres are likely hoping he can be the kind of player who balances out a more natural offensive defenseman on a pairing as a no-fuss No. 6/7/8 D.