Buffalo Sabres
Sharks Acquire Defenseman Michael Kesselring, Trade Down in 2026 NHL Draft
The San Jose Sharks have acquired defenseman Michael Kesselring and the No. 27 pick in next week’s draft from Buffalo for the No. 20 pick.
The San Jose Sharks have acquired defenseman Michael Kesselring and the No. 27 pick in next week’s draft from Buffalo for the No. 20 pick. The Sabres and Sharks made the trade on Wednesday, which would see the Sharks move down in the draft, but they still hold onto their No. 2 overall selection.
San Jose previously acquired the 20th pick from Edmonton in exchange for defenseman Jake Walman in March 2025.
The Sabres had extra defenseman and were likely to move a body out. The Sharks needed a more mobile defender and more blueliners under contract. Kesselring is a depth guy who will get an opportunity on the Sharks roster.
The Sabres ended a 14-year playoff drought with a historic 2025-26 season, finishing with 50 wins and 109 points and winning the Atlantic Division for the first time. Their run ended in a Game 7 second-round loss to Montreal. Key trades included acquiring Joshua Norris, Sam Carrick, and Tanner Pearson. They also added Kesselring, a 6-foot-5 blueliner limited by injuries last season.
Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks continue building through the draft, but are taking the next steps with some really strong young pieces on the roster.
Next: Golden Knights Open Door for Bruce Cassidy Talks as Oilers Continue Coaching Search
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