The San Jose Sharks have acquired defenseman Michael Kesselring from the Buffalo Sabres.
The team announced the deal Wednesday afternoon. This trade also includes 2026 NHL Draft picks. San Jose sends the 20th overall pick to the Sabres. Buffalo attached the 27th overall pick along with the 26-year-old RHD.
The #SJSharks have made a trade acquiring Michael Kesselring and the 2026 27th overall pick from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for the 20th overall selection (EDM’s pick)
— Max Miller (@Real_Max_Miller) June 17, 2026
Kesselring played 34 games for the Sabres this season. The d-man registered two assists and appeared in one Stanley Cup Playoff game.
The 6-foot-5 blue liner is a restricted free-agent with arbitration rights. Many NHL Insiders suspected Kesselring could be a trade piece as he fell out of favor with the Atlantic Division champs.
For the San Jose Sharks, Kesselring’s addition fill a major hole on the blue line. GM Mike Grier and HC Ryan Warsofsky told reporters during exit interviews that adjusting the defense was a top priority.
“Michael has a big frame with solid two-way ability,” Grier said in a release. “He is a responsible player in the defensive zone with a well rounded offensive game, and will be a good upgrade for us patrolling the blueline. We’re happy to have him a part of the organization.”
Last season, the San Jose Sharks played with just two RHD: John Klingberg and Vincent Desharnais. Adding Kesselring to the mix will be an upgrade.
Desharnais and Klingberg are both UFAs.
For now, the Sharks make a trade to fill a hole without losing major prospects or draft capital.