The San Jose Sharks have traded the 20th overall pick in the upcoming draft to the Buffalo Sabres for defenseman Michael Kesselring and the 27th overall pick.
WE’VE GOT A TRADE 🔀
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Hello Michael Kesselring and 27th overall!
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) June 17, 2026
The 26-year-old struggled to stay in the Sabres lineup last season, only appearing in 34 regular-season games. Kesselring broke out in the 2024-25 season, recording 29 points and playing nearly 18 minutes per game with the Utah Hockey Club.
It was a much-needed addition to the right side of the San Jose blue line, as the team only has two NHL-level defensemen under contract at the time of writing. His 6-foot-5 frame makes him a strong penalty-killing presence as well, something the Sharks struggled with at times last season.
The Sharks have been rumored to be targeting a defenseman with the 20th selection in the draft, but the addition of Kesselring may erase some of that need. He is coming off a two-year, $2.8 million contract and is set to become a restricted free agent.
