Sabres’ Michael Kesselring to make season debut against Blue Jackets

A team that’s one of the league’s hottest at home this season is getting some reinforcements.

When speaking to the media, Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff stated that defenseman Michael Kesselring is “good to go” and is expected to make his debut with his new team on Tuesday night, when the Sabres play host to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Kesselring has been out of action since reaggravating an injury during a preseason game on Oct. 1 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was initially ruled out week-to-week and had yet to see any action with Buffalo this season.

The 25-year-old came to Western New York as one of the return pieces in the trade that sent J.J. Peterka to the Utah Mammoth last June. Over the past two seasons with Utah (formerly known as the Arizona Coyotes), Kesselring proved to be an important contributor at both ends of the rink, bringing needed depth to the right side of D-Corps in Buffalo as well.

Last season, the Florence, S.C. native played the full 82-game schedule for the first time in his career, scoring seven goals and 22 assists for 29 points with Utah, all career highs. He also posted a plus/minus of +4 while averaging 17:41 of ice time.

Kesselring’s efforts over the past couple of seasons have led to him being named to Team USA’s roster at the last two IIHF Men’s World Championships. Along with making his national team debut in 2024, he helped the team capture the gold medal last spring, the country’s first championship in the tournament since 1933.

In 156 NHL contests, Kesselring has scored 12 goals and 41 assists for 53 points.

The Sabres (4-4-1) look to keep their home winning streak intact. Heading into Tuesday, the team has won four straight games at KeyBank Center.