The San Jose Sharks announced a draft‑day acquisition, bringing in defenseman Michael Kesselring from the Buffalo Sabres. The deal also involved a 2026 first‑round pick, with the Sharks sending the 20th overall selection to Buffalo.
The trade details
Kesselring, a 26‑year‑old, 6‑foot‑5 right‑handed defenseman, enjoyed a breakout year with the Utah Mammoth, posting seven goals and 29 points while averaging 17:41 of ice time per game.
That performance stands in stark contrast to his previous season, where he logged limited minutes and managed only a handful of assists, a fact that has left the team’s coaching staff weighing his potential against the reality of his recent workload.
Scouts see upside
The consensus among the scouting community is cautious optimism. While his size and shot are evident assets, the key will be whether he can translate those tools into consistent production at the NHL level.