Maxim Strbak

Tall rugged defender with a high panic point and solid defensive tools and acumen. Advances pucks quickly, and when he doesn't he has excellent footwork to skate it out himself. Very rugged along the wall, pinning and sealing his check there. Has good passing skills and effectively clears his zone with quick outlet passes. Plays with a steady pace and is already tall and strong. Played a support role in the 2022 World Junior U-20, but when Nemdec was injured was the top defenseman. (The tourney that was cancelled mid-flight due to Covid-19.) A complete package of skating ability, skill set, and size.At the world junior 2023 Winter addition, he should passion and urgency in his games for Slovakia showing off his mobility and high level low panic stick handling ability. Worked the power play point with high end efficiency. He can get his shot through traffic and his mobility makes him dangerous to move up on the power play also. Still young and prone to running around in his end probably due to his confidence in his abilities to win back pucks and look for the transition home run. He needs to continue improving his physicality in his end, taking the body over reaching in. There is lots to like in his developing game.

                                                              --Bill Płaczek--