The San Jose Sharks have acquired right-handed defenseman Michael Kesselring and the 27th overall pick from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for the 20th overall selection in this year’s draft.
WE’VE GOT A TRADE
Hello Michael Kesselring and 27th overall!
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) June 17, 2026
Buffalo originally targeted Kesselring last offseason to address its need for right-handed shots on the blue line. However, the fit did not fully materialize, as the 26-year-old dealt with injuries and appeared in just 34 games, recording two assists, while also playing in one playoff game this season.
San Jose Adds Another Young Option on Defense
Kesselring gives San Jose another young piece to evaluate alongside a defensive group that still needs stability. Outside of Dmitry Orlov, Sam Dickinson and Luca Cagnoni, the Sharks do not have many defensemen firmly locked into their long-term plans. Kesselring is currently a pending restricted free agent, but the Sharks would not have acquired him unless they intended to work toward a contract extension.
The Sharks have been working to deepen their defensive corps, and Kesselring gives them another option with upside. Much of the attention around San Jose has focused on its forward group, led by Macklin Celebrini, William Eklund, Will Smith and other young attackers, but the club still needs to secure more long-term contributors on the back end beyond Dickinson.
With the second overall pick still available, the Sharks could either continue adding to their forward depth by selecting a player such as Ivar Stenberg or address defense by taking someone like Chase Reid. Their decision will help define the next phase of the rebuild.
For San Jose, this trade adds another potential top-four defenseman at a reasonable cost. If Kesselring regains his form, the move could help the Sharks better balance their roster and support the continued growth of their high-end offensive talent.
Kesselring Never Found a Consistent Role With Sabres
Kesselring’s tenure in Buffalo never fully developed into the role the Sabres envisioned. He showed flashes of promise, but his ice time remained inconsistent, and there were stretches where he barely factored into Lindy Ruff’s lineup.
He began the season paired with Owen Power, and the pairing initially looked encouraging. There was promise in their mobility and puck movement, but an injury disrupted that momentum. Zach Metsa later stepped in and played well enough to keep his spot, leaving Kesselring with fewer opportunities and less trust from the coaching staff.
A fresh start could benefit Kesselring. In San Jose, he will have the chance to reset, earn a larger role and prove he can be part of the team’s defensive foundation. His size, skating ability and physical tools give him a path back to relevance, and the Sharks will hope he can become a dependable piece as they continue pushing toward playoff contention.
