Sharks, Sabres Make First NHL Draft-Impacting Trade (That Could Affect the Blackhawks)

Live updates

1. 9d ago

   Buffalo Sabres and San Jose Sharks Swap 2026 First-Round Picks

   The Buffalo Sabres moved up to the 20th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. San Jose acquired defenseman Michael Kesselring and the 27th overall selection. Kesselring may become a restricted free agent on July 1.

   What's confirmed:

   • The Buffalo Sabres traded Michael Kesselring and the 27th overall pick to the San Jose Sharks for the 20th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
   • Michael Kesselring can be a restricted free agent on July 1.
   • San Jose GM Mike Grier said the team is not afraid to trade the No. 2 pick in the 2026 Draft.
   • San Jose holds 3 selections in the first round.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • San Jose may have tipped its hand regarding Ivar Stenberg after a trade with Ottawa.
   • The Sabres traded Alex Tuch to the Capitals for Kampf and a 3rd-round pick.
   • Buffalo traded Bowen Byram to Chicago.
   • Alex Tuch signed an 8-year, $84 million contract.
   • Tuch scored 33 goals this season.
   confidence 100%
2. 12d ago

   Sabres Trade Michael Kesselring to Sharks for Draft Position

   The Buffalo Sabres acquired the 20th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft from the San Jose Sharks. In return, San Jose received defenseman Michael Kesselring and the 27th overall pick. The trade allows Buffalo to move up seven spots in the first round.

   What's confirmed:

   • The Buffalo Sabres acquired the 20th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft from the San Jose Sharks.
   • The San Jose Sharks received defenseman Michael Kesselring and the 27th overall pick from Buffalo.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Kesselring recorded two assists in 34 games during a season plagued by injuries.
   • The Sabres had an abundance of NHL defensemen, leading Kesselring to play only one postseason game.
   • Kesselring previously arrived in Buffalo from Utah alongside forward Josh Doan in exchange for JJ Peterka.
   • The Sharks intend to use Kesselring to strengthen their blue line defense.
   • Buffalo chose to trade Kesselring instead of keeping him as a restricted free agent.
   • Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn are set to become unrestricted free agents.
   confidence 90%
3. 14d ago

   Sharks Acquire Michael Kesselring in Draft Day Trade with Sabres

   The San Jose Sharks traded the 20th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to the Buffalo Sabres. In exchange, Buffalo sent defenseman Michael Kesselring and the 27th overall pick to San Jose. The move allows Buffalo to move up seven spots in the first round.

   What's confirmed:

   • The San Jose Sharks acquired defenseman Michael Kesselring from the Buffalo Sabres.
   • Buffalo received the 20th overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft.
   • The San Jose Sharks received the 27th overall pick in the trade.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • An insider suggests the Buffalo Sabres might trade defenseman Bowen Byram as part of a larger draft shakeup.
   confidence 100%
4. 15d ago

   Buffalo Sabres Trade Michael Kesselring to San Jose Sharks

   The Buffalo Sabres traded defenseman Michael Kesselring and the 27th overall pick to the San Jose Sharks. In return, Buffalo acquired the 20th overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft. This move shifts Buffalo up seven spots in the first round.

   What's confirmed:

   • The Buffalo Sabres traded defenseman Michael Kesselring to the San Jose Sharks.
   • The Sabres received the No. 20 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
   • The San Jose Sharks received the No. 27 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The Sabres may use the saved money to renegotiate contracts or sweeten other deals.
   • The Sabres returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2011 and reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
   confidence 100%
5. 16d ago

   Sabres Trade Michael Kesselring to Sharks to Move Up in 2026 NHL Draft

   The Buffalo Sabres traded defenseman Michael Kesselring and the 27th overall pick to the San Jose Sharks. In exchange, Buffalo acquired the 20th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The move allows the Sabres to move up seven spots in the first round.

   What's confirmed:

   • The Buffalo Sabres traded defenseman Michael Kesselring to the San Jose Sharks.
   • The Sabres acquired the 20th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
   • The San Jose Sharks received the 27th overall pick from the Sabres.
   • The trade occurred on a Wednesday afternoon.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The trade could impact the pick made by the Chicago Blackhawks at 4th overall.
   • The Flyers jumped in the NHL draft order as a result of the trade.
   confidence 100%