| Date | Team | Transaction | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 28, 2025 | Buffalo Sabres | Activated from IR | |
| Oct 6, 2025 | Buffalo Sabres | Placed on IR | |
| Jun 26, 2025 | Buffalo Sabres | Acquired from Utah Hockey Club | |
| Jun 26, 2025 | Utah Mammoth | Traded to Buffalo Sabres | |
| Jun 28, 2024 | Utah Hockey Club | Signed 2 years @ $1.400M AAV starting in 2024-25 | |
| Mar 22, 2021 | Edmonton Oilers | Signed to an entry level contract. | 
2024-25 Player Card
                        URL: https://www.thestanleycap.com/cdn/player_cards/20242025/michael-kesselring-8480891.png
2023-24 Player Card
                        URL: https://www.thestanleycap.com/cdn/player_cards/20232024/michael-kesselring-8480891.png
About Player Cards
Player cards present an infographic of a players performance. In this case it shows the player performance over a 3 season span. Each square is separated into three separate sub-boxes with the two smaller boxes on top representing the past two seasons and the larger box on the bottom representing the current or most recent season. This allows the reader to guage how consistent a player has been, and if early in the season it can help identify whether a players performance may be impacted by small sample size and subject to regression or is consistent with recent past performance.
Notes and Definitions
- The numbers represent percentiles so the higher the better.
 - Percentiles are determined by comparing Forwards to Forwards and Defensemen to Defensemen.
 - Bursts/mi are calculated from NHL Edge Data are are speed bursts above 20mpg per mile skated. The NHL doesn't adjust for ice time so the players that skate more will naturally have more bursts over 20, or at least more opportunity to have more. The NHL also does not provide ice time in the context of NHL Edge Statistics, however, it does provide distance skated. By adjusting for distance skated it will have a similar effect to adjusting for ice time but also adjust for situationional effect. For example, Players don't typically skate as much on the PK, mostly within the defensive zone, so don't get significant opportunity in that ice time to get speed bursts above 20mph. Adjusting with miles skates would account for this better than adjusting with ice time.
 - Sh%AE is Shooting Percentage above Expected (Sh% - xSh%) and is an indicator of how good a shooter is at converting chances into goals.
 - Relative statistics are On Ice - Off Ice statistics and can be an indicator of whether the player makes his teammates better or worse.
 - All data is 5v5 except Shooting Hardest and Average, Skating Top Speed and Bursts/mi which are all situations, ES Average which is even strength (NHL doesn't give a specific definition).
 
Data Sources
- Salary data is from TheStanleyCap.com
 - Shooting and Skating (except Sh%AE) are from NHL Edge
 - Other statistics are from Puckalytics.com and derived from data from NHL.com
 
Terms of Use
You are free to use include player cards in written articles, share on social media, or on other public websites under the following conditions:
- You credit TheStanleyCap.com as the source and provide a link back to TheStanleyCap.com or this player page.
 - You do not mass copy/duplicate/publish dozens or hundreds of player cards. A few, or a handful for a written article is fine. Be reasonable. Fair use rules apply.
 - If you are a high-traffic website you must download and host the image(s) on your site rather than overload TheStanleyCap servers with traffic.
 
Note: The image will update daily throughout the season so if you want to include snapshot then you must download the image.
If you have any questions, send an e-mail to the e-mail address at the top of this page.
5v5 Individual Stats
| Season | Team(s) | GP | TOI | G/60 | A/60 | Pts/60 | xG/60 | GAE/60 | Sh% | xSh% | Sh%AE | %SA Rush | %SA Reb. | 
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | ARI | 9 | 133:26 | 0.00 | 1.35 | 1.35 | 0.26 | -0.26 | 0.00 | 7.25 | -7.25 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 
| 2023-24 | ARI | 65 | 973:37 | 0.31 | 0.80 | 1.11 | 0.25 | 0.06 | 6.85 | 5.49 | 1.36 | 1.56 | 0.00 | 
| 2024-25 | UTA | 82 | 1298:11 | 0.23 | 0.83 | 1.06 | 0.27 | -0.04 | 3.79 | 4.45 | -0.66 | 0.51 | 1.02 | 
| 2025-26 | BUF | 3 | 45:14 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.28 | -0.28 | 0.00 | 5.25 | -5.25 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 
5v5 On Ice Stats
| Season | Team(s) | GP | TOI | SAF/60 | GF/60 | xGF/60 | SAA/60 | GA/60 | xGA/60 | GF% | xGF% | xGF Rel | xGA Rel | xGF% Rel | 
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | ARI | 9 | 133:26 | 37.32 | 2.25 | 2.11 | 42.27 | 2.70 | 2.36 | 45.45 | 47.21 | -0.06 | -0.34 | 2.64 | 
| 2023-24 | ARI | 65 | 973:37 | 43.57 | 3.02 | 2.49 | 41.54 | 2.40 | 2.53 | 55.68 | 49.62 | 0.09 | -0.08 | 1.64 | 
| 2024-25 | UTA | 82 | 1298:11 | 46.08 | 2.13 | 2.63 | 38.59 | 1.71 | 2.13 | 55.42 | 55.24 | 0.06 | -0.08 | 1.51 | 
| 2025-26 | BUF | 3 | 45:14 | 43.77 | 2.65 | 2.00 | 35.81 | 2.65 | 1.66 | 50.00 | 54.63 | -1.09 | -1.32 | 3.75 | 
NHL Edge Stats
| Skating | Shooting | Zone Time | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | GP | Top Speed | Bursts>20/mi | Avg. Speed | ES Avg. Speed | Top Speed | Avg. Speed | %Long Range | %Mid Range | %High Danger | ES DZ% | ES NZ% | ES OZ% | 
| This table is for Basic and Premium subscribers only. To view please login to and/or subscribe to one of our subscription plans. | |||||||||||||
Legend
| Percentile 0-25 | Percentile 25-50 | Percentile 50-75 | Percentile 75-100 | 
5v5 Defense Pairs
| Season | Teammate | Team | TOI | GF/60 | GA/60 | GF% | xGF/60 | xGA/60 | xGF% | xGF Rel | xGA Rel | xGF% Rel | 
|---|
Glossary
| Type | Statistic | Definition | 
|---|---|---|
| Individual | G/60 | Goals Against per 60 minutes. | 
| Individual | A/60 | Assists per 60 minutes. | 
| Individual | Pts/60 | Points per 60 minutes. | 
| Individual | xG/60 | Expected Goals per 60 minutes. | 
| Individual | GAE/60 | Goals Above Expected (G/60 - xG/60). | 
| Individual | Sh% | Shooting Percentage. | 
| Individual | xSh% | Expected Shooting Percentage. | 
| Individual | Sh%AE | Shooting percentage above expected (Sh% - xSh%). | 
| Individual | %SA Rush | Percentage of shot attempts determined to be on the rush. | 
| Individual | %SA Reb. | Percentage of shot attempts determined to be from rebounds. | 
| On Ice | SAF/60 | Shot Attempts For per 60 minutes. | 
| On Ice | GF/60 | Goals For per 60 minutes. | 
| On Ice | xGF/60 | Expected Goals For per 60 minutes. | 
| On Ice | SAA/60 | Shot Attempts Against per 60 minutes (lower is better). | 
| On Ice | GA/60 | Goals Against per 60 minutes (lower is better). | 
| On Ice | xGA/60 | Expected Goals Against per 60 minutes (lower is better). | 
| On Ice | GF% | Goals For Percentage = Goals For / (Goals For + Goals Against) | 
| On Ice | xGF% | Expected Goals For Percentage = Expected Goals For / (Expected Goals For + Expected Goals Against) | 
| On Ice | xGF Rel | xGF/60 when On Ice - xGF/60 when not On Ice. | 
| On Ice | xGA Rel | xGA/60 when On Ice - xGA/60 when not On Ice (lower is better). | 
| On Ice | xGF% Rel | xGF% when On Ice - xGF% when not On Ice. | 
News and Opinions
- 
                
After trade from Mammoth, Josh Doan, Michael Kesselring happy with Sabres at Sabres Space (Tue Nov 4, 2025)
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After trade from Mammoth, Josh Doan, Michael Kesselring happy with Sabres at Buffalo Hockey Beat (Mon Nov 3, 2025)
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Buffalo Sabres must change the defensive pairs before their next game against Boston at Sabres Noise (Wed Oct 29, 2025)
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Sabres notes: Noah Ostlund looking for first point; Michael Kesselring debuts at Sabres Space (Wed Oct 29, 2025)
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Sabres notes: Noah Ostlund looking for first point; Michael Kesselring debuts at Buffalo Hockey Beat (Tue Oct 28, 2025)
 - 
                
3 Buffalo Sabres with major storylines heading into matchup with the Blue Jackets at Sabres Noise (Tue Oct 28, 2025)
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Michael Kesselring expected to debut this week with Sabres, Colten Ellis makes quick return at Sabres Space (Tue Oct 28, 2025)
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Following trade, injury, Sabres’ Michael Kesselring excited to be healthy at Sabres Space (Sat Oct 25, 2025)
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Following trade, injury, Sabres’ Michael Kesselring excited to be healthy at Buffalo Hockey Beat (Fri Oct 24, 2025)
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Buffalo Sabres lineup should soon receive a major defensive boost at Sabres Noise (Wed Oct 22, 2025)
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Game #1 Preview & Open Thread: Rangers vs. Sabres at Die by the Blade (Thu Oct 9, 2025)
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Injuries sideline Sabres’ Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Michael Kesselring at Sabres Space (Sat Oct 4, 2025)
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Injuries sideline Sabres’ Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Michael Kesselring at Buffalo Hockey Beat (Fri Oct 3, 2025)
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Sabres’ Best and Worst-Case Scenarios for 3 Crucial Players at The Hockey Writers (Fri Oct 3, 2025)
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Sabres lose Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Michael Kesselring to injuries at Sabres Space (Thu Oct 2, 2025)
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Sabres lose Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Michael Kesselring to injuries at Buffalo Hockey Beat (Thu Oct 2, 2025)
 - 
                
Sabres Need Too Many Things to Go Right for Playoffs to Be Reasonable at The Hockey Writers (Wed Sep 24, 2025)
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Utah Mammoth’s 2024-25 Report Cards: Michael Kesselring at The Hockey Writers (Mon Sep 8, 2025)
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3 Most Important Sabres to Getting Back to the Playoffs at The Hockey Writers (Mon Aug 11, 2025)
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Sabres’ Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring Could Be Surprise Game-Changers This Season at The Hockey Writers (Fri Jul 25, 2025)
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NY Rangers forward plans take major hit after missing out on top target at Blue Line Station (Thu Jun 26, 2025)
 
Current Contract
Standard Contract (RFA) ( )  (0 ratings)
Entry Level Contract ( )  (0 ratings)
| Season | Age* | Clause | Cap Hit | AAV | Perf. Bonus | Sign. Bonus | Salary | Compensation | Minors Salary | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 21 | $925,000 | $925,000 | - | $92,500 | $832,500 | $925,000 | $70,000 | ELC | ||
| 2022-23 | 22 | $925,000 | $925,000 | - | $92,500 | $832,500 | $925,000 | $70,000 | ELC | ||
| 2023-24 | 23 | $925,000 | $925,000 | - | $92,500 | $832,500 | $925,000 | $70,000 | ELC | ||
| Total | - | $277,500 | $2,497,500 | $2,775,000 | $210,000 | 
Career Statistics
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | League | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | PIM | Shots | Sh% | TOI/G | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | PIM | Shots | Sh% | TOI/G | 
| 2014-15 | USHS-Prep | New Hampton School | 36 | 3 | 4 | 7 | ||||||||||||||
| 2015-16 | USHS-Prep | New Hampton School | 40 | 5 | 11 | 16 | ||||||||||||||
| 2016-17 | USHS-Prep | New Hampton School | 30 | 8 | 20 | 28 | ||||||||||||||
| 2016-17 | EJEPL 16U | New Hampshire Avalanche 16U AAA | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
| 2017-18 | USHS-Prep | New Hampton School | 38 | 11 | 23 | 34 | 23 | |||||||||||||
| 2017-18 | USHL | Des Moines Buccaneers | 12 | 0 | 2 | 2 | -3 | 2 | ||||||||||||
| 2017-18 | USA-S17 | Team Kelly | 5 | 2 | 1 | 3 | ||||||||||||||
| 2018-19 | USHL | Des Moines Buccaneers | 33 | 2 | 10 | 12 | +5 | 8 | ||||||||||||
| 2018-19 | USHL | Fargo Force | 33 | 7 | 15 | 22 | +2 | 20 | 2 | -4 | ||||||||||
| 2019-20 | NCAA | Northeastern Univ. | 34 | 2 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 35 | ||||||||||||
| 2020-21 | NCAA | Northeastern Univ. | 20 | 5 | 3 | 8 | -4 | 23 | ||||||||||||
| 2020-21 | AHL | Bakersfield Condors | 21 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -2 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 3 | +2 | 2 | |||||||
| 2021-22 | AHL | Bakersfield Condors | 55 | 2 | 11 | 13 | +10 | 45 | 4 | +1 | ||||||||||
| 2022-23 | AHL | Bakersfield Condors | 49 | 13 | 9 | 22 | +5 | 40 | ||||||||||||
| 2022-23 | NHL | Arizona Coyotes | 9 | 0 | 3 | 3 | -1 | 6 | 8 | 0.0 | 17:06 | |||||||||
| 2022-23 | AHL | Tucson Roadrunners | 10 | 2 | 5 | 7 | +3 | 7 | 3 | -2 | 2 | |||||||||
| 2023-24 | NHL | Arizona Coyotes | 65 | 5 | 16 | 21 | +11 | 66 | 76 | 6.6 | 15:48 | |||||||||
| 2023-24 | WC | USA | 7 | 2 | 1 | 3 | +1 | |||||||||||||
| 2023-24 | International | Team USA | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 | |||||||||||||
| 2023-24 | AHL | Tucson Roadrunners | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -2 | 11 | 2 | -2 | ||||||||||
| 2024-25 | NHL | Utah Hockey Club | 82 | 7 | 22 | 29 | +4 | 89 | 150 | 4.7 | 17:41 | |||||||||
| 2024-25 | WC | USA | 10 | 1 | 3 | 4 | +7 | 2 | ||||||||||||
| 2024-25 | International | Team USA | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||
| 2025-26 | NHL | Buffalo Sabres | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 0.0 | 16:24 | ||||||||||
| NHL Career | 158 | 12 | 41 | 53 | +14 | 163 | 238 | 5.0 | 16:51 | |||||||||||
