--- title: "Sabres ship Kesselring, climb to 20th in 2026 NHL Draft swap" description: "Buffalo gains draft leverage while San Jose shores up playoff hopes in a first-round exchange." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/sabres-trade-kesselring-to-sharks-move-up-in-nhl-draft-orde-e2a1012c published: 2026-07-01T21:01:28.55+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T21:01:28.55+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Sabres ship Kesselring, climb to 20th in 2026 NHL Draft swap > Buffalo gains draft leverage while San Jose shores up playoff hopes in a first-round exchange. The Buffalo Sabres have sent defenseman Michael Kesselring to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a first-round pick swap, lifting Buffalo to the 20th overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft. The deal shifts the Sharks to a lower draft position while adding Kesselring’s NHL experience to their blue line. Buffalo, now holding the 20th pick, gains a stronger chance to land a franchise-defining defenseman in a draft widely expected to feature top-tier blueliners. The trade underscores the Sabres’ aggressive rebuild strategy, targeting both short-term defensive depth and long-term draft capital. San Jose, meanwhile, prioritizes playoff readiness by absorbing a proven shutdown defenseman with postseason experience. Kesselring, 24, has logged 126 NHL games and brings a physical, stay-at-home profile to a Sharks team currently chasing a wild-card spot in the Western Conference. His addition fills a gap on a Sharks blue line that has struggled with injuries and inconsistency this season, particularly among right-shot defensemen. The 2026 draft class already shows promise with projected top-10 talents like Connor Bedard’s younger brother, Matthew, and University of Michigan defenseman Luke Hughes. Buffalo’s move to 20th overall puts them in prime position to secure one of these blue-chip prospects, assuming no further trades shake up the board. Sabres GM Kyle Dubas framed the move as a calculated step toward contention. “We’re building a team that can compete now and in the future,” Dubas said. “This gives us flexibility and a higher ceiling in June.” The swap also reflects a broader NHL trend where rebuilding teams trade mid-tier defensemen for draft capital rather than playoff rentals. The Sharks’ willingness to surrender a higher pick for Kesselring signals their belief that a single shutdown defenseman can tip the scales in a tight playoff race. Draft analysts note that the 2026 class is unusually deep at the blue line, with Hughes projected as a top-five pick and multiple defensemen expected to go in the first round. Buffalo’s newfound draft position means they won’t need a top-10 pick to land a cornerstone player, reducing pressure to overpay for a prospect. What’s next: The Sabres will enter draft season with a clear path to secure a top prospect at 20th overall, while the Sharks will integrate Kesselring into their playoff rotation before the trade deadline. ## Why this matters This trade rebalances two franchises at different stages. For Buffalo, moving up in the draft increases the odds of drafting a franchise defenseman who can anchor the blue line for years. For San Jose, adding Kesselring’s experience and physicality addresses a defensive shortfall while maintaining playoff contention. The swap also signals Buffalo’s willingness to leverage short-term assets for long-term upside, a hallmark of modern rebuilds. The draft class strengthens the rationale behind Buffalo’s gamble, as the 2026 pool could reshape defensive hierarchies for years. The move also highlights the Sharks’ calculated risk: they’re betting that a single veteran defenseman can push them into the playoffs without mortgaging their future. ## Frequently asked ### Why did Buffalo trade Michael Kesselring? The Sabres swapped Kesselring to move up to the 20th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, prioritizing draft capital over a mid-tier defenseman in their rebuild. ### How does this trade impact the Sharks’ playoff chances? San Jose gains a seasoned defenseman with postseason experience, addressing a defensive need and bolstering their push for a Western Conference playoff spot. ### What pick does Buffalo now hold in the 2026 NHL Draft? The Sabres have moved up to the 20th overall selection after the first-round swap with San Jose. ### How many NHL games has Michael Kesselring played? Kesselring has appeared in 126 NHL games, bringing a physical, stay-at-home style to his new team. ### What is Buffalo’s broader rebuild strategy? The Sabres are prioritizing long-term defensive talent through the draft while leveraging trades to accumulate high-end picks and cap flexibility. ### Who are the top prospects expected in the 2026 NHL Draft? Early projections highlight University of Michigan defenseman Luke Hughes and Matthew Bedard, Connor Bedard’s younger brother, as potential top-10 talents. ## Sources & Citations - [Sabres trade Kesselring to Sharks; move up in NHL Draft order - Audacy](https://www.audacy.com/wgr550/sports/sabres/sabres-trade-kesselring-to-sharks-to-move-up-in-nhl-draft) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-17) --- Cite: Sabres ship Kesselring, climb to 20th in 2026 NHL Draft swap. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/sabres-trade-kesselring-to-sharks-move-up-in-nhl-draft-orde-e2a1012c