San Jose Sharks
· 2026-06-29
The San Jose Sharks have signed defenseman Michael Kesselring to a three-year, $13.5 million contract.
This deal comes after the Sharks acquired Kesselring from the Buffalo Sabres in a draft-day trade.
The Sharks received Kesselring and the 27th overall pick in exchange for the 20th overall selection.
Kesselring joins the Sharks looking to rebound after a difficult 2025-26 campaign with the Sabres.
Kesselring's production was limited by injuries, including a chronic knee issue and multiple ankle sprains.
He recorded two assists and averaged 13:24 of ice time in 34 regular-season games.
The Sharks are betting that Kesselring can regain his form from previous seasons.
In his first full NHL campaign with the Arizona Coyotes in 2023-24, Kesselring amassed six goals and 21 points.
He followed that with career highs for the Utah Hockey Club, skating in all 82 games during the 2024-25 season.
The Sharks currently stand 11th in the Western Conference with a 39-35 record, on a W1 streak.
Kesselring joins a Sharks blue line that includes Dmitry Orlov, Sam Dickinson, Luca Cagnoni, and Nolan Allan.
The organization also bolstered its defensive pipeline in the 2026 NHL Draft by selecting Keaton Verhoeff and Ryan Lin.
The Sharks are looking to improve their standings with the addition of Kesselring.
Kesselring's contract carries a $4.5 million average annual value through the 2028-29 season.
The agreement covers one remaining restricted free agent season and two unrestricted free agent years.