Michael Alan Kesselring Bio
Michael Alan Kesselring, born January 13, 2000, is an American professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Buffalo Sabres in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted 164th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft and has developed through various leagues to establish himself at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Michael Kesselring was born in Florence, South Carolina, to Casey and Shawndra Kesselring. His father, Casey, played professional hockey at the ECHL level and has been involved in coaching minor, high school, and junior hockey since 2003. Michael was coached by his father during his high school years at New Hampton School, where he began honing his skills on the ice. He has a younger brother, Mason, who plays junior hockey with the Coquitlam Express in the British Columbia Hockey League and is committed to the University of Connecticut.
Path to Hockey
Kesselring played high school hockey at New Hampton School within the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council before joining the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) towards the end of the 2017–18 season. His physical attributes and hockey sense led to his selection by the Edmonton Oilers in the sixth round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. In the 2018–19 season, he split time between the Buccaneers and the Fargo Force in the USHL before committing to Northeastern University to play collegiate hockey in the Hockey East conference.
During his sophomore year at Northeastern, Kesselring decided to turn professional, signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers in March 2021. This marked the beginning of his professional career in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Bakersfield Condors, the Oilers’ affiliate team.
Michael Alan Kesselring Career
Early Career (2021–2023)
After signing with the Edmonton Oilers, Kesselring joined the Bakersfield Condors on an amateur tryout basis for the remainder of the 2020–21 season, contributing three points in 21 regular-season games and participating in six playoff games. In the 2021–22 season, he solidified his role on the Condors’ defense, recording two goals and 13 points across 55 games.
In the 2022–23 season, Kesselring showed significant offensive improvement, scoring 13 goals and totaling 22 points in just 49 games. His development caught the attention of NHL teams, leading to a trade to the Arizona Coyotes in March 2023. He made his NHL debut the next day against the Carolina Hurricanes but was reassigned to the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, shortly after.
Buffalo Sabres Era (2025–Present)
Following the 2024–25 season, Kesselring was traded by the Utah Mammoth, the rebranded Coyotes franchise, along with Josh Doan to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for JJ Peterka. This move marks a new chapter in his NHL career as he aims to establish himself as a key defenseman for the Sabres.
Playing Style and Strengths
Kesselring is known for his imposing physical presence on the ice, standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 220 pounds. His combination of size, hockey sense, and developing offensive skills make him a versatile defenseman capable of contributing both defensively and offensively. His progression through the AHL and NHL demonstrates his adaptability and growing confidence at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Kesselring’s career highlights includes representing the United States at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where he recorded one goal and three assists in ten games. His contributions helped Team USA secure their first gold medal at the tournament since 1933, marking a significant achievement in his international career.
Michael Alan Kesselring Career Wins
While primarily a defenseman focused on defensive responsibilities, Kesselring has shown offensive development, particularly during his time in the AHL. His scoring uptick in the 2022–23 season with 13 goals reflects his growing impact on the ice. His NHL experience is in the early stages, with his debut coming in 2023.
AHL Highlights
Kesselring’s tenure with the Bakersfield Condors was marked by steady improvement, culminating in a breakout offensive season in 2022–23. His ability to contribute goals and points from the blue line helped establish him as a promising prospect within the Oilers organization before his trade to the Coyotes.
International Play
Kesselring’s international experience includes his participation in the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where he played a role in the United States winning the gold medal. This achievement underscores his potential to contribute at the highest levels of competition.
Michael Alan Kesselring Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Michael comes from a hockey-oriented family. His father, Casey Kesselring, played professionally and has been a coach for various levels of hockey since 2003. This environment provided Michael with early exposure to the sport and valuable guidance throughout his development. His younger brother Mason continues the family tradition by playing junior hockey and pursuing collegiate hockey opportunities.
Personal Life
Details about Michael Kesselring’s personal life, including marital status and residence, are not publicly available. He maintains a professional focus on his hockey career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Michael Kesselring experienced a pivotal season, highlighted by his trade to the Buffalo Sabres and his participation in the IIHF World Championship. His international success with Team USA added a significant accolade to his career. With the Sabres, Kesselring is positioned to continue his development and contribute to the team’s defensive corps. His physical style and improving offensive skills offer promise for his role in upcoming seasons.