Michael Alan Kesselring Bio
Michael Alan Kesselring (born January 13, 2000) is an American professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected 164th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2018 NHL entry draft and has since built a reputation as a steady, right-shooting blue liner with strong physical tools. Kesselring has represented the United States at the international level and continues to compete at the top tier of North American professional hockey.
Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and listed at 215 pounds, Kesselring brings size and reach to every shift he plays. His combination of length, mobility, and defensive awareness has made him a dependable option for the franchises that have developed him since his draft year.
Early Life and Background
Michael Alan Kesselring was born on January 13, 2000, in Florence, South Carolina. He is the son of Casey and Shawndra Kesselring, and grew up in a household with deep roots in the sport of ice hockey. His father, Casey, played professional hockey at the ECHL level and has served as a minor, high school, and junior head coach since 2003, giving Michael an early and consistent exposure to the game.
During his high school years, Kesselring attended the New Hampton School, where he played within the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council. He was coached there by his father, Casey, a formative experience that helped shape his defensive fundamentals and his understanding of the game. The family background in hockey gave Michael a strong foundation as he prepared for higher levels of competition.
Path to Hockey
After his prep school tenure, Kesselring joined the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the conclusion of the 2017–18 season. His combination of standout physical attributes and strong hockey sense caught the attention of NHL scouts, and he was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the sixth round, 164th overall, of the 2018 NHL entry draft during his first year of eligibility.
In his only full USHL season in 2018–19, Kesselring split time between the Buccaneers and the Fargo Force, gaining valuable junior experience against top amateur competition. Following that season, he committed to a collegiate career at Northeastern University of the Hockey East conference, continuing his development in a structured NCAA program before turning professional.
Michael Alan Kesselring Career
Early Career (2021–2023)
During his sophomore season at Northeastern, Kesselring opted to end his collegiate career and turn professional for the remainder of the 2020–21 campaign. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers on March 22, 2021, and was assigned to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, on an amateur tryout basis. He collected three points through 21 regular season games and made six postseason appearances with the Condors that year.
In his first full professional season in 2021–22, Kesselring established himself on the Bakersfield blueline, registering 2 goals and 13 points through 55 regular season games. He continued his development with the Condors in 2022–23, posting 13 goals and 22 points through only 49 games, showing significant offensive growth. Approaching the NHL trade deadline, Edmonton dealt Kesselring, along with a 2023 third-round pick, to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for Nick Bjugstad and Cam Dineen on March 2, 2023.
Arizona Coyotes and Utah Hockey Club Era (2023–2025)
Following the trade, Kesselring was immediately recalled by the Coyotes and made his NHL debut the following day in a 6–1 defeat to the Carolina Hurricanes at Mullett Arena. He was reassigned the next day to the Coyotes AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, on March 4, 2023, where he continued to refine his game. His NHL debut marked the realization of a lifelong goal that began in his childhood in Florence, South Carolina.
Kesselring remained with the Coyotes organization as the franchise later rebranded as the Utah Hockey Club for the 2024–25 season. He continued to log time at both the NHL and AHL levels, building experience and contributing to the team’s defensive corps during a period of organizational transition.
Buffalo Sabres Era (2025–2026)
At the completion of the 2024–25 season, Kesselring was traded by the rebranded Utah Mammoth, along with Josh Doan, to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for JJ Peterka on June 25, 2025. The move gave him a fresh opportunity in a new market and a chance to expand his role on a young Sabres blue line. His size and right-handed shot made him a logical fit for Buffalo’s defensive group as the team continued its rebuild.
During his time with the Sabres, Kesselring continued to play a steady, physical style and remained a regular presence on the backend. On June 17, 2026, he was traded by the Sabres to the San Jose Sharks, along with the 27th overall pick in the 2026 NHL entry draft, in exchange for the 20th overall pick in the 2026 draft, opening the next chapter of his NHL journey.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although he is a hockey player rather than a race car driver, Kesselring’s on-ice style draws on the same traits that marked his rise through the ranks: strong physical attributes, dependable defensive positioning, and an ability to read the play. His 6-foot-5 frame and right-handed shot allow him to play a physical game, win battles along the boards, and contribute offensively when opportunities arise, particularly on the power play.
Notable Events and Milestones
Kesselring’s most celebrated milestone came on the international stage when he represented the United States at the 2025 IIHF World Championship. He recorded one goal and three assists in ten games and helped Team USA win its first gold medal since 1933, a defining moment in his career and a significant achievement in American hockey history.
Michael Alan Kesselring Career Wins
Michael Alan Kesselring has built a steady professional resume across the USHL, AHL, and NHL since being drafted in 2018. While his individual trophy case continues to grow, his most prominent victory remains the team gold medal won with the United States at the 2025 IIHF World Championship.
International Highlights
Kesselring represented the United States at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where he posted one goal and three assists in ten games. His contributions helped Team USA capture the gold medal, ending a long international drought and marking the first World Championship title for the program since 1933.
Other Wins and Performances
In the AHL, Kesselring recorded a strong 2022–23 campaign with the Bakersfield Condors, scoring 13 goals and 22 points through 49 games, a clear sign of his offensive development. He has also competed in the USHL with the Des Moines Buccaneers and Fargo Force, and at the collegiate level with Northeastern University, gaining experience at every tier of North American hockey.
Michael Alan Kesselring Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kesselring was born in Florence, South Carolina, to Casey and Shawndra Kesselring. His father, Casey, played professional hockey at the ECHL level and has served as a minor, high school, and junior head coach since 2003, giving the family a strong hockey pedigree. Casey also coached Michael directly during his high school tenure with the New Hampton School.
Michael has a younger brother, Mason, who played junior hockey with the Langley Rivermen and Coquitlam Express in the British Columbia Hockey League and went on to play for Curry College at the NCAA Division III level. The Kesselring family remains closely tied to the sport across multiple levels of competition.
Personal Life
Kesselring continues to pursue his professional hockey career and remains connected to his family roots in Florence, South Carolina. His upbringing in a hockey family, with his father’s coaching influence and his brother’s own playing career, has helped shape his approach to the game and his commitment to continuous improvement.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024–25 season marked a transitional year for Kesselring, beginning with the rebranded Utah Hockey Club and concluding with a major trade. He continued to develop his two-way game at the NHL level while representing the United States at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where he recorded one goal and three assists in ten games and helped Team USA win gold.
Following the season, on June 25, 2025, Kesselring was traded by the Utah Mammoth, along with Josh Doan, to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for JJ Peterka, signaling a new chapter in his career. The move placed him on a young Sabres team looking to add size, defensive responsibility, and right-handed shot depth to its blue line.
Looking ahead, Kesselring entered the 2025–26 campaign with an opportunity to secure a regular role in Buffalo and continue building on the momentum of his World Championship gold. His combination of size, hockey sense, and international experience positioned him as a player to watch as the Sabres pushed to return to playoff contention.
