Sabres Swap First-Round Picks with Sharks, Ship Off Defenseman Kesselring
The Sharks added a needed defenseman and Buffalo gained a higher first-round pick after Kesselring played 34 games last season.
- On Wednesday, the Buffalo Sabres traded defenseman Michael Kesselring and the 27th overall pick to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for the 20th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
- Kesselring, 26, struggled with injuries throughout the 2025-2026 season, recording only two assists in 34 games while competing for ice time in Buffalo's crowded defensive core.
- San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier said Kesselring has a "big frame with solid two-way ability," while the Sharks needed to address a blue line featuring only two defensemen under contract.
- Buffalo maintains six under-contract defensemen, including Norris Trophy finalist Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, giving the Sabres flexibility with the higher draft selection.
- The 2026 NHL Draft begins Friday, June 26, at the KeyBank Center, where Buffalo will deploy the acquired 20th pick alongside existing selections to strengthen the roster.
38 Articles
38 Articles
Henry Herald
Sharks acquire Michael Kesselring, swap 1st-round picks with Sabres
The San Jose Sharks acquired defenseman Michael Kesselring and the No. 27 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for the No. 20 selection.
Associated Press News
San Jose Sharks acquire defenseman Michael Kesselring from Buffalo Sabres amid pick swap
The Buffalo Sabres are moving on from defenseman Michael Kesselring. Buffalo sent the 26-year-old and the 27th overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft to San Jose in return for the 20th overall selection.
NH's Kesselring dealt to Sharks
SAN JOSE — The San Jose Sharks on Wednesday took the first step in addressing their blue line, acquiring New Hampton, N.H.’s Michael Kesselring, a defenseman, and the 27th overall selection in this year’s NHL Draft from the Buffalo Sabres…
Sabres trade defenseman Michael Kesselring, move up to pick No. 20 in NHL draft
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Sabres moved up seven spots in next week's NHL draft Wednesday by trading the rights to defenseman Michael Kesselring to the San Jose Sharks. Buffalo now holds the No. 20 pick, still its lowest selection in the first round since 2011, having sent No. 27 to the Sharks. The 26-year-old [...]
East Bay Times
The Mercury newsSharks start to address blue line, acquire defenseman from Buffalo Sabres
San Jose Sharks acquire defenseman Michael Kesselring from the Buffalo Sabres
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