Sharks Acquire Defenseman in Trade with Buffalo
The San Jose Sharks and the Buffalo Sabres had just announced a trade with a little over a week left until the 2026 NHL Draft.
The Sharks sent their 2026 first-round 20th overall selection (via Edmonton) in exchange for Buffalo's defenseman Michael Kesselring and the 27th overall pick from the Sabres.
Michael Kesselring is a 26-year-old defenseman who put up 55 points in his four years into his NHL career. The 6-foot-5 defenseman was a sixth-round pick back in the 2018 Draft where he was originally selected by the Edmonton Oilers.
During his NHL career, Kesselring has played 190 games between three clubs including the Arizona Coyotes, Utah Hockey Club and the Buffalo Sabres. The 215-pound defenseman put up a total of 24 points (five goals, 19 assists) during his two-season tenure with the Coyotes where he then surpassed that with a season high 29 points (seven goals, 22 assists) with Utah. His most recent playing time came from Buffalo where he appeared in a single game during the 2026 playoffs.
The right-handed shot blueliner is expected to compete for a roster spot with the circulating rumors of some Sharks blueliners expecting to divert from the organization come Free Agency. This acquisition fills an immediate need to an already bleeding blue line.
