The Buffalo Sabres are staring at an offseason they have not seen in over a decade. They're coming off a playoff berth, which means they have decisions to make to keep the momentum going from this past season.
There are many high-profile players they will be looking at re-signing, led by unrestricted free agent Alex Tuch. But sometimes what makes or breaks a return to playoff hockey is the depth pieces they look to add around their stars.
Depth at defense will be vital for the Sabres next year. With questions about consistency at goalie, they will need quality defensemen on each pairing to come through. So, there is one that may want to look at re-signing this summer.
26-year-old Michael Kesselring is a restricted free agent this summer for the Sabres
Kesselring is finishing a contract he signed with the Arizona Coyotes (now Utah Mammoth) that the Sabres took on after he was traded to Buffalo last summer. He dealt with injuries most of this season but did provide valuable moments in action.
He added value by providing depth coming off the bench during certain stretches of the season when healthy. He added two assists during his limited time.
It was his play on the defensive end of the ice that may want the Sabres to look at more closely in re-signing him. He averaged more than a block a game, which can be a factor in uneven goalie play for next season.
Besides added depth he may be a bargain piece based on the contract he may be looking for. Unlike other players looking for big pay days, Kesselring may be looking for a smaller amount.
He earned $1.4 million in 2025-26 and shouldn't be due a significant raise based on his injury-plagued year, and he's a capable defenseman who, when healthy, could provide a spark as a third-pair or No. 7 blueliner.
He is a restricted free agent meaning another team would need to a make an offer sheet and he may flight under the radar this free-agent cycle. If no offers are made, it would give the Sabres more leverage to offer a team-friendly contract.
Depending on if they spend high on their other free agents or sign one to an expensive contract, finding depth at affordable prices may be the way to go. Kesselring would be one those pieces.
There will be many signings and decisions that will reach the front page of NHL.com. Some of those will include the Sabres. But the difference between the Stanley Cup champions is the lesser known moves that don't reach top billing.
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