Scouts on What Kesselring Can Bring to Sharks
The San Jose Sharks acquired 26-year-old defenseman Michael Kesselring and the No. 27 pick in the 2026 Draft from the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday in exchange for the No. 20 pick. The move brings a mobile, 6-foot-5 right-handed defenseman to San Jose, though Kesselring comes off a difficult season featuring only two assists in 34 games and several stints as a healthy scratch.
What was the cost of the Michael Kesselring trade?
San Jose traded their No. 20 draft pick to Buffalo to secure Kesselring and the No. 27 pick in the 2026 Draft. The trade involved a swap of first-round assets.
According to Puckpedia’s Perri Pick Value Calculator, the difference between those seven first-round spots is roughly equivalent to a mid-second round pick. This valuation suggests Kesselring represented a significant cost for the Sharks.
Why did the Sharks target Kesselring despite his recent slump?
The Sharks are betting on Kesselring’s previous ceiling. During a breakout 2024-25 campaign with the Utah Mammoth, he averaged 17:41 of ice time per night.
During that tenure, Kesselring notched seven goals and 29 points. He also saw usage equivalent to a second-unit power play defenseman.
What happens next for Kesselring in San Jose?
The primary question is whether Kesselring could return to the form he showed with the Utah Mammoth. If he recovers his previous production, he may provide the Sharks with a mobile right-handed presence on the blue line.
A possible next step for the player is regaining a consistent role to avoid the healthy scratches that defined his most recent season. He may seek to replicate his previous power-play usage to increase his offensive output.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the San Jose Sharks receive in the trade?
The Sharks acquired defenseman Michael Kesselring and the No. 27 pick in the 2026 Draft.
How did Michael Kesselring perform during his breakout season?
With the Utah Mammoth in 2024-25, Kesselring recorded seven goals and 29 points while averaging 17:41 of ice time per night.
What were Kesselring’s statistics this past season?
Kesselring recorded two assists in 34 games and was a healthy scratch on multiple occasions.
Do you think the Sharks gave up too much draft capital for a player coming off a tough season?