The Edmonton Oilers might consider bringing back defenseman Michael Kesselring from the Buffalo Sabres. Kesselring has reportedly been a healthy scratch and is behind other defensemen on the Sabres’ depth chart, with prospects like Radim Mrtka also in their system. There’s a suggestion that the Sabres might be open to trading Kesselring for a bottom-six forward in the offseason, especially since he’s not a happy camper. The Oilers previously traded Kesselring to the Coyotes as part of the Nick Bjugstad deal. However, the Oilers won’t be the only team looking for right-handed defensemen.
Another player of interest for the Oilers could be Detroit Red Wings goaltending prospect Sebastian Cossa. The Oilers had wanted to draft Cossa in 2021, but the Red Wings moved up to select him. Cossa is currently not the starting goaltender for Grand Rapids (AHL), and the Red Wings have also signed fellow prospect Trey Augustine. Despite having only played one NHL game, Cossa has a significant AHL track record with 123 games played. The question remains whether the Oilers would be comfortable with a goalie tandem of Tristan Jarry and Cossa, or a similar 1B option.
Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks have moved up to the second overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft following the draft lottery. This marks the third consecutive year the Sharks will have a top-two selection, having previously picked Macklin Celebrini and Michael Misa. In 2023, they selected Will Smith at No. 4. The consensus pick at No. 2 is winger Ivar Stenberg, who is already competing against professional players in the SHL. The Sharks are already well-stocked with young forwards and goaltenders.
The Sharks might also consider drafting a defenseman at No. 2. Teams like the Canucks could be interested in a center like Caleb Malhotra, while the Blackhawks might hope Stenberg falls to No. 4. Potential defenseman options at the top of the draft include Carson Carels, Chase Reid, and Keaton Verhoeff.
The free agent market appears somewhat thin, with potential blue-line upgrades ranging from Darren Raddysh to John Carlson, and forwards like Alex Tuch to Anthony Mantha. On the trade front, the Dallas Stars might be hesitant to extend restricted free agent Jason Robertson. The availability of players like Robert Thomas (Blues) and Matthew Knies (Maple Leafs) is uncertain, as is that of Darnell Nurse (Oilers).
The Blackhawks might explore moving up from their No. 4 pick to secure the No. 2 selection. The Sharks also hold the Edmonton Oilers’ first-round pick.
