Michigan State's pipeline to the NHL has another success story. Defenseman Maxim Strbak is the latest Spartan to turn pro, signing an entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres.

A part of Michigan's defensive core, he joins a growing list of top players leaving East Lansing for professional hockey.

The 20-year-old has established himself as one of the program’s most dependable players. The NHL scouts were impressed with his performances at the college level. And his performance in the NCAA earned him the opportunity with the Buffalo Sabres.

Michigan State has now lost at least four key players to NHL contracts in the past year alone, including Maxim Strbak, Trey Augustine, Porter Martone, and Isaac Howard.

The Spartans lost a top college goaltender prospect, Trey Augustine, to the Detroit Red Wings in 2026. After the NCAA tournament exit, he signed a three-year entry-level contract deal, starting the 2026-27 season. 

In the same year, the Spartans lost Porter Martone and Isaac Howard to the Philadelphia Flyers and the Edmonton Oilers, respectively.

Martone signed his first professional contract after a standout freshman season. Howard also signed a three-year entry-level contract beginning the 2025-26 season.

The Michigan State Spartans men's ice hockey team continues to lose key players to NHL contracts, creating short-term roster challenges. 

However, these departures also represent a proud achievement for the program. Michigan continues to show its ability to find and develop top-tier talent.

All Eyes Now on Maxim Strbak as He Takes the Next Step

The Sabres are looking at Maxim Strbak as a long-term investment. They picked him in the second round of the 2023 NHL draft, 45th overall.

Joining the Sabres' organization is a key milestone for Strbak. However, he may not find himself regularly on the NHL's roster immediately. He will likely spend time in the AHL to adjust to the professional speed of the game.

His next destination will be the Rochester Americans for the remainder of the year, and he will begin his next chapter as what many expect to be a long professional career.

The Sabres' development coach, Tim Kennedy, praised Strbak’s defensive game and the way he skates. He is also impressed with his physical ability. 

“He’s a hard-to-play-against, shutdown defender, can skate really well. He’s very physical, and that’s what we love about him.” Sabres coach Tim Kennedy said.

His defensive awareness and hockey IQ are expected to be valuable assets for the team. How do you think he will fare in the NHL?

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi