The Buffalo Sabres and San Jose Sharks have made a trade. The news is a Michael Kesselring trade, as he will be headed to the San Jose Sharks, along with the 27th-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. In exchange, Buffalo will receive the 20th-overall pick in the draft, which San Jose previously acquired from the Edmonton Oilers in a trade for Jake Walman.
Credit Image: © Chris Brown/Cal Sport Media
We have acquired a first-round pick (20th overall) in the 2026 NHL Draft from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Michael Kesselring and a first-round pick.
Details → https://t.co/aBtQkV4yiN pic.twitter.com/86l23tBnpU
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) June 17, 2026
Michael Kesselring Trade Improves Sharks Defence
Kesselring, in 34 games for the Buffalo Sabres last season, recorded two assists. He has played 190 NHL games, suiting up for the Arizona Coyotes, Utah Mammoth, and Sabres, scoring 55 points (12 goals, 43 assists). He has also represented Team USA at the 2024 and 2025 IIHF World Championships. Under Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky in 2025, he was part of the team that won the title.
“Michael has a big frame with solid two-way ability,” said Sharks GM Mike Grier. “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.”
The Kesselring trade comes as he is a restricted free agent this offseason. His previous contract with the Utah Mammoth was a two-year contract worth $1.4 million per season. For San Jose, he could have some potential to rebound after a tough season. At a low cost, this could be a solid fit for a young Sharks team.
Could This Impact San Jose’s Draft Plans?
For the Sharks, who are adding, via this Kesselring trade, to a young defensive core, could that solidify the direction they are taking in the draft? The Sharks need defenders, so it was speculated that they would target a defender in the 2026 NHL Draft, which could include the likes of Chase Reid. Now that they have obtained a defender, could they pick the talented forward Ivar Stenberg instead? Time will tell what Grier does here.
Main Photo Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
