The San Jose Sharks have signed restricted free agent defenceman Michael Kesselring to a three-year, $13.5 million contract that carries a cap hit of $4.5 million.
Kesselring, 26, was acquired on June 17 from the Buffalo Sabres, along with the 27th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, in exchange for the 20th overall selection.
He only appeared in 36 games last season with the Bufalo Sabres due to an ankle injury.
Kesselring had two assists in 34 games this season while averaging 13:24 of ice time and appeared in one playoff game before the Sabres were eliminated in the second round.
The 6-foot-5, right-shot blueliner is coming off a two-year, $2.8 million contract that carried a cap hit of $1.4 million.
Kesselring was originally acquired by the Sabres, along with forward Josh Doan, from the Utah Mammoth in June of 2025 in exchange for forward JJ Peterka.
Drafted 164th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2018, Kesselring has 12 goals and 55 points in 190 games split between the Arizona Coyotes, Mammoth, and Sabres.
The Florence, S.C., native helped the United States end a 92-year drought at the World Hockey Championship, winning gold in 2025.
