Sabres Sign Prospect Max Strbak to Entry-Level Contract

Strbak to join Rochester Americans on amateur tryout for remainder of season

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:50pm

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The Buffalo Sabres have signed 2023 second-round draft pick Max Strbak to a three-year, entry-level contract. The 20-year-old defenseman will join the Sabres' AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans, on an amateur tryout for the rest of the season before his contract officially kicks in next year.

Why it matters

Strbak is considered a promising prospect in the Sabres' system, having put up solid numbers in three seasons at Michigan State University. His entry-level deal signals the team's commitment to developing him at the professional level as they look to build for the future.

The details

The 6-foot-2, 196-pound Strbak compiled 3 goals, 18 points, 10 penalty minutes and a plus-20 rating in 37 games for the Spartans this past season. Over his three-year college career, he totaled 8 goals, 46 points, 43 penalty minutes and a plus-33 rating in 102 games.

  • Strbak's college career ended on Saturday when his Michigan State team lost to Ohio State in the NCAA regional final.
  • The Sabres signed Strbak to his entry-level contract on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

The players

Max Strbak

A 20-year-old defenseman prospect drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the second round in 2023, who spent the last three seasons playing college hockey at Michigan State University.

Buffalo Sabres

The NHL team that drafted and has now signed Strbak to an entry-level contract, with the intent of developing him at the professional level with their AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans.

Rochester Americans

The American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres, where Strbak will join on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

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What’s next

Strbak will join the Rochester Americans on an amateur tryout for the rest of the 2025-26 season, before his entry-level contract with the Sabres officially kicks in next year.

The takeaway

The Sabres are continuing to build their prospect pool, signing a promising young defenseman in Strbak to an entry-level deal. His transition to the professional ranks with the Rochester Americans will be an important step in his development as the Sabres look to the future.