Sharks and Sabres pull off trade involving two 1st picks!

The NHL Draft is just around the corner, and the San Jose Sharks wasted no time shaking things up. General Manager Mike Grier orchestrated a trade with the Buffalo Sabres that reshapes the Sharks' defensive corps and adjusts their position in the first round of the 2026 draft.

San Jose sent the 20th overall pick, originally belonging to Edmonton, to Buffalo in exchange for defenseman Michael Kesselring and the 27th overall selection. While moving down seven spots in the draft order might raise eyebrows, the addition of Kesselring gives the Sharks a sizable, two-way defenseman who has already proven himself at the NHL level.

Grier expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, praising Kesselring's physicality and well-rounded game. He described the 26-year-old as a responsible defender with legitimate offensive upside, calling him a clear upgrade on the San Jose blue line.

Kesselring stands six-foot-five and weighs 215 pounds, bringing an imposing presence to the Sharks' back end. Originally a sixth-round pick by Edmonton back in 2018, he has steadily built his career into that of a reliable NHL regular. Over 190 career games split between the Arizona Coyotes, Utah Mammoth, and Buffalo Sabres, he has accumulated 55 points on 12 goals and 43 assists.

A Proven Track Record Despite an Injury-Shortened Season

Kesselring's most recent campaign in Buffalo was limited by injuries, as he appeared in just 34 regular-season games and tallied two assists. Still, his impact was evident when he was in the lineup. He ranked third among Sabres skaters in blocked shots per 60 minutes at a rate of 5.00, underscoring his commitment to the defensive side of the puck. He also suited up for one postseason contest with Buffalo.

His best full season came with Utah, where he played all 82 games and posted 29 points with seven goals and 22 assists. That durability and production showed the kind of player he can be when healthy.

Beyond the NHL, Kesselring has represented the United States at both the 2024 and 2025 IIHF World Championships, combining for seven points in 17 games across the two tournaments. In 2025, playing under current Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky, he was part of the historic American squad that captured gold for the first time in 92 years. That existing relationship with Warsofsky could help smooth his transition to San Jose.

The Florence, South Carolina native now joins a Sharks roster that continues to build toward contention. With the 27th overall pick still in hand, San Jose retains first-round draft capital while also adding a proven NHL defenseman, a combination that could pay dividends both immediately and down the road.