What happened: The Buffalo Sabres traded up to the No. 20 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and sent Kesselring to the San Jose Sharks, according to the ESPN-linked report. San Jose received Kesselring and the No. 27 pick, while Buffalo moved seven spots higher in the first round.

Why it matters: The deal gives Buffalo a better first-round slot while using a roster player to make the jump. For San Jose, the move adds an NHL defenseman while still keeping a late first-round pick in the 2026 draft.

What to watch: Watch whether Buffalo targets a specific prospect at No. 20. San Jose's next step is fitting Kesselring into its blue-line plans before the upcoming 2026-27 season.