The San Jose Sharks secured a three-year agreement with defenseman Michael Kesselring on Monday, worth $13.5 million in total. The contract carries an average annual value of $4.5 million.
The 26-year-old blueliner was set to become a restricted free agent on Wednesday before committing to the new deal. The signing followed his recent arrival to the organization.
Trade activity and draft pick swaps
Kesselring was acquired by San Jose from the Buffalo Sabres on June 17 in a move that also involved several draft selections. As part of the exchange, the two clubs swapped first-round picks in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Buffalo received the No. 20 pick, which was used on centre Ilia Morozov, while San Jose obtained the No. 27 selection. The Sharks later moved up in the draft to No. 21 to select defenseman Ryan Lin, sending picks Nos. 27, 62, and 120 to the Philadelphia Flyers.
performance history and playing profile
During the most recent regular season, Kesselring recorded two assists across 34 games for Buffalo and went scoreless in a single Stanley Cup Playoff appearance. Over his NHL career, he has produced 55 points, including 12 goals and 43 assists, in 190 games for the Arizona Coyotes, Utah Mammoth, and Buffalo Sabres.
He was originally selected in the sixth round, 164th overall, of the 2018 NHL Draft by the Edmonton Oilers.
Reactions from management and player
San Jose general manager Mike Grier highlighted Kesselring’s size and two-way capability, describing him as a steady defensive presence with offensive upside who can strengthen the blue line group.
Kesselring said he feels a strong sense of responsibility with the new contract and thanked the organization for its belief in him, adding that he is confident he can return to a higher level and surpass it.