The San Jose Sharks secured the services of defenseman Michael Kesselring on Monday, inking him to a three-year contract worth $13.5 million. The deal, which carries an average annual value of $4.5 million, kept Kesselring from hitting restricted free agency, according to NHL.com.
The 26-year-old blue liner arrived in San Jose after being traded from the Buffalo Sabres on June 17. That deal involved the two franchises exchanging 2026 first-round draft picks.
Kesselring spoke with reporters Monday about his excitement over the new agreement. “I want to thank the Sharks and (general manager Mike) Grier and everybody involved,” he said. “I’m extremely confident that I’m going to get back to that level and exceed that level, and the extension shows that they believe in me.”
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, Kesselring recorded two assists across 34 regular-season games with Buffalo last season and also saw action in one playoff contest. His NHL journey began when Edmonton selected him in the sixth round of the 2018 draft, though he never suited up for the Oilers. Edmonton dealt him to Arizona in March 2023.
Over four seasons split between Arizona (2023 and 2023-24), Utah (2024-25), and Buffalo (2025-26), Kesselring has compiled 55 points — including 12 goals and 43 assists — along with a plus-minus rating of 14 in 190 career games.
General manager Grier spoke highly of the defenseman following the trade with Buffalo. “Michael has a big frame with solid two-way ability,” Grier told reporters. “He is a responsible player in the defensive zone with a well-rounded offensive game and will be a good upgrade for us patrolling the blue line.”
