Reports: Sharks sign Michael Kesselring to three-year, $13.5 million contract

Field Level Media|published: Mon 29th June, 20:46 2026

Jan 24, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Michael Kesselring (8) skates with the puck against the New York Islanders during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The San Jose Sharks signed defenseman Michael Kesselring to a three-year, $13.5 million deal Monday that prevented him from a becoming a restricted free agent and has an average annual value of $4.5 million, according to NHL.com.

Kesselring, 26, was traded to San Jose from the Buffalo Sabres on June 17 in a move that included the teams swapping 2026 first-round draft picks.

"I want to thank the Sharks and (general manager Mike) Grier and everybody involved," Kesselring told the media Monday. "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."

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Kesselring had two assists in 34 games with the Sabres last season and appeared in one playoff game. He was selected in the sixth round in 2018 by Edmonton but never played a game with the Oilers, who dealt Kesselring to Arizona in March of 2023.

In four seasons with Arizona (2023, 2023-24), Utah (2024-25) and Buffalo (2025-26), Kesselring has 55 points (12 goals, 43 assists) and a plus-minus of 14 in 190 games.

"Michael has a big frame with solid two-way ability," Grier told reporters after the trade with Buffalo. "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."

--Field Level Media

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