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The San Jose Sharks acquired defenseman Michael Kesselring and the 27th overall pick in next week's NHL Draft from the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday in exchange for the 20th selection.
Kesselring, 26, appeared in just 34 games with Buffalo last season due to injuries and repeated stints as a healthy scratch.
The 6-foot-5, 215-pound blueliner becomes a restricted free agent July 1 after completing a two-year contract.
"Michael has a big frame with solid two-way ability," said Sharks general manager Mike Grier.
"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 blueline." If San Jose can re-sign Kesselring, he projects as a right-shot option for the club's third defensive pairing.
The trade also gives Grier added flexibility with the 27th pick as he weighs options around the Sharks' second overall selection next week.
Kesselring was previously part of the Arizona Coyotes and Utah Mammoth organizations from 2022 to 2025 before being dealt to Buffalo alongside forward Josh Doan in exchange for forward JJ Peterka last June.
The move adds veteran depth to a San Jose roster trending upward after a breakthrough season from center Macklin Celebrini, who posted 45 goals and 115 points in 82 games and pushed the Sharks closer to playoff contention than they had been in years..