SAN JOSE — The San Jose Sharks on Wednesday took the first step in addressing their blue line, acquiring defenseman Michael Kesselring and the 27th overall selection in this year’s NHL Draft from the Buffalo Sabres for the 20th overall pick that originally belonged to the Edmonton Oilers.
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“Michael has a big frame with solid two-way ability,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier said in a statement. “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 Sharks had to address their blue line as they have only two defensemen, Dmitry Orlov and Sam Dickinson, under contract for next season. A third defenseman, Shakir Mukhamadullin, is a pending restricted free agent.
Other defensemen who played for the Sharks last season, Mario Ferraro, Vincent Desharnais, Nick Leddy and John Klingberg are all pending unrestricted free agents. The first day of free agency is July 1,
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Kesselring, 26, had an injury-plagued 2025-26 season with the Sabres as he recorded two assists in 34 games last season for Buffalo. He also ranked third among Sabres skaters in blocked shots per 60 minutes (5.00).
In his NHL career, Kesselring has played in 190 NHL games, with stops in Arizona, Utah and Buffalo, and has 55 points (12 goals, 43 assists). In his second full season in the NHL with Utah, he appeared in all 82 games, scoring 29 points (seven goals, 22 assists).
The six-foot-five, 215-pound native of Florence, SC was originally selected by Edmonton in the 2018 NHL Draft (6th round, 164th overall).
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