The Buffalo Sabres traded defenseman Michael Kesselring and the 27th overall pick to the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday in exchange for the 20th selection in next week's NHL draft. Kesselring, a 6-foot-5, 215-pound blueliner, spent just one season in Buffalo after joining the organization in a trade last June.

The 26-year-old appeared in only 34 games this past season, primarily due to injuries and repeated healthy scratches. He previously played for Arizona and Utah from 2022-2025 before the Sabres acquired him alongside Josh Doan in exchange for JJ Peterka. Kesselring will become a pending restricted free agent on July 1, potentially adding salary cap considerations to the deal.

Sharks general manager Mike Grier praised Kesselring's size and versatility, calling him a "responsible player in the defensive zone with a well-rounded offensive game" who upgrades their third pairing. The trade gives San Jose additional flexibility as they hold both the second overall pick and now the 27th selection.

This move supports San Jose's rebuilding timeline after Macklin Celebrini's breakout 45-goal, 115-point season accelerated their timeline toward playoff contention. Kesselring provides immediate depth while Grier continues building around young talent.