The San Jose Sharks executed a draft-week asset swap, trading the 20th overall pick (originally Edmonton’s) to the for defenseman Michael Kesselring and the 27th overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft. The deal, announced by GM Mike Grier, slides San Jose down seven spots in the first round but still leaves the Sharks with two first-round picks. In return, the Sharks add a proven NHL defenseman to their blue line.
Kesselring, 26, posted 21 points in 77 games last season for Buffalo and provides immediate depth. He’s a right-shot defenseman, a profile that fits the Sharks’ current needs. For Buffalo, the move is a straightforward upgrade of draft capital.
The Sabres now hold the 20th pick, giving them a higher slot to target a top prospect. The trade continues a flurry of activity for San Jose, which has reshaped its draft board while addressing a roster need. San Jose’s draft-week activity now includes two first-round selections despite the trade-down.
The Sharks are balancing long-term asset accumulation with the immediate requirement of bolstering their blue line depth. This isn’t just a lateral move for the Sharks. By trading down seven spots, San Jose effectively converted a single high pick into two assets: a NHL-ready defenseman and a second first-rounder.
The 27th pick in 2026 may not carry the same prestige as the 20th, but it still lands in the top tier of the draft class. That flexibility gives the Sharks a cushion to maneuver in future drafts, whether they target a high-ceiling prospect or a safer two-way player. The right-shot requirement for the Sharks’ blue line has been a recurring theme this offseason.
Kesselring’s arrival addresses that gap while providing a player who can step into the lineup immediately. With the 2024-25 season looming, the Sharks are prioritizing competition and experience in their defensive corps, a shift from the youth-heavy approach of recent years. The Sabres, meanwhile, are doubling down on their rebuild by acquiring a higher draft slot.
Buffalo’s front office has emphasized drafting high-upside talent, and the 20th pick gives them another opportunity to land a franchise-changing player. The trade also frees up roster space, allowing the Sabres to explore other avenues to address their blue-line depth. GM Mike Grier framed the move as a pragmatic step.
“We’re always looking to improve the roster while maintaining flexibility,” Grier said in a team release. ” What’s next: The Sharks will turn their attention to the 27th overall pick in 2026, where they’ll look to add another piece to the pipeline. Buffalo will use the 20th pick to target a prospect who could step into their rebuild.
Both teams now have clearer paths to address their respective needs. Read at NewsAPI.org
Why this matters
This trade is a textbook example of asset management in a rebuild. San Jose trades down seven spots but secures a right-shot defenseman with NHL experience and retains a first-rounder. Buffalo gains a higher draft slot to pursue a top prospect. The move signals San Jose’s commitment to balancing roster needs with long-term draft capital, while Buffalo leverages its newfound flexibility to accelerate its rebuild. It also highlights the Sharks’ shift toward prioritizing NHL-ready depth over raw potential, a strategy that could pay dividends in the short term. The Sabres’ aggressive pursuit of draft capital underscores their long-term vision, even as they navigate a competitive Atlantic Division.
Frequently asked
Who did the Sharks get in the trade with Buffalo?
The Sharks acquired defenseman Michael Kesselring and the 27th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft in exchange for the 20th overall selection.
How many points did Kesselring score last season?
Kesselring recorded 21 points in 77 games for the Sabres during the 2023-24 season.
Why did the Sharks trade down in the draft?
The move allowed San Jose to add a proven NHL defenseman while still retaining a first-round pick at 27, balancing roster needs with long-term asset management.
What pick did Buffalo get in the trade?
Buffalo received the 20th overall pick (originally Edmonton’s) from San Jose in exchange for Kesselring and the 27th overall pick in 2026.
How many first-round picks does San Jose have now?
The Sharks now hold two first-round picks after the trade, including the 27th overall selection in 2026.
