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Kristen ShiltonJun 17, 2026, 05:30 PM ET<\/p>\n
Close<\/a>Kristen Shilton is a national NHL reporter for ESPN.<\/p>\n Multiple Authors<\/p>\n The San Jose Sharks<\/a> acquired defenseman Michael Kesselring<\/a> and the 27th pick in next week’s NHL draft from the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday for the 20th selection.<\/p>\n Kesselring, 26, spent just one season in Buffalo and appeared in only 34 games due to injuries and repeated stretches as a healthy scratch. He was part of the Arizona Coyotes — and then Utah Mammoth<\/a> — organizations from 2022 to 2025 before being sent with forward Josh Doan<\/a> via trade to the Sabres for forward JJ Peterka<\/a> last June.<\/p>\n Kesselring, who is 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, is coming off a two-year contract that can make him a restricted free agent July 1. If the Sharks can come to terms with him, he projects to be a solid right-shot addition to the club’s third pairing.<\/p>\n Editor’s Picks<\/p>\n 2 Related<\/p>\n “Michael has a big frame with solid two-way ability,” San Jose general manager Mike Grier said in a news release Wednesday. “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.”<\/p>\n The move gives San Jose increased flexibility in its draft plans. Along with the 27th selection, the Sharks hold the second overall pick. Now that Kesselring is a possibility to step in next season, Grier can look at the bigger picture for San Jose with the second slot.<\/p>\n