Michael Kesselring
American defenseman for the San Jose Sharks.
Michael Alan Kesselring (born January 13, 2000) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected 164th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2018 NHL entry draft.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 13 January 2000
- Birthplace
- Florence, South Carolina, U.S.
- Position
- Defense
- Shoots
- Right
- League
- NHL
- Team
- San Jose Sharks
- Prospect league
- AHL
- Former teams
- Arizona Coyotes
- Utah Hockey Club
- Buffalo Sabres
Facts from the source article.
Playing career
Kesselring played high school hockey for the New Hampton School in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council before finishing the 2017–18 season with the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League (USHL). In his first year of eligibility, he was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the sixth round, 164th overall, of the 2018 NHL entry draft. In his only full USHL season in 2018–19, he split time between the Buccaneers and the Fargo Force before committing to Northeastern University of the Hockey East. During his sophomore NCAA season, Kesselring ended his collegiate career and turned professional, signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Oilers on March 22, 2021. He appeared with the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League (AHL) on an amateur tryout, collecting three points in 21 regular season games and making six postseason appearances. In his first full professional season in 2021–22, he registered 2 goals and 13 points in 55 games with the Condors. In 2022–23, he scored 13 goals and 22 points in 49 games with Bakersfield. On March 2, 2023, the Oilers traded Kesselring and a 2023 third-round pick to the Arizona Coyotes for Nick Bjugstad and Cam Dineen. He made his NHL debut the following day in a 6–1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes at Mullett Arena, then was reassigned to the Tucson Roadrunners on March 4, 2023. After the 2024–25 season, the rebranded Utah Mammoth traded Kesselring and Josh Doan to the Buffalo Sabres for JJ Peterka on June 25, 2025. On June 17, 2026, the Sabres traded Kesselring and the 27th overall pick in the 2026 draft to the San Jose Sharks for the 20th overall pick. He signed a three-year contract with the Sharks on June 28, 2026.
Personal life
Michael Kesselring came into the world in Florence, South Carolina, to parents Casey and Shawndra. Casey Kesselring, a former ECHL professional, has worked as a head coach at the minor, high school, and junior levels since 2003, and he coached Michael during his time at New Hampton School. Michael’s younger brother, Mason, skated in the BCHL for the Langley Rivermen and Coquitlam Express before playing NCAA Division III hockey at Curry College.
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