Olympic Break Comes at the Right Time for Sabres’ Michael Kesselring
For most NHL players, the Olympic break is a chance to rest, reset, and gear up for the stretch run. But for Buffalo Sabres defenseman Michael Kesselring, this pause in the action feels less like a breather and more like a lifeline.
Kesselring arrived in Buffalo this past offseason as part of the JJ Peterka trade with the Utah Mammoth, a deal that also brought in forward Josh Doan. At the time, Kesselring was seen as the key piece for Buffalo - a young, promising blueliner who could step into a Top 4 role and help solidify the Sabres' defensive core.
Fast forward to February, and the script hasn’t exactly followed that blueprint.
While Doan has thrived - so much so that the Sabres recently explored locking him up with a seven-year extension - Kesselring’s first season in Western New York has been a grind. Injuries have played a major role in that.
He missed the first nine games of the regular season due to a preseason injury, then lost more time in January with an ankle issue. That’s a tough way to build rhythm, especially for a defenseman trying to find his footing in a new system.
Since returning to the lineup, Kesselring has been eased back in - and the results haven’t been pretty. He’s averaging under 12 minutes of ice time per game, and in that limited role, he’s struggled to make a positive impact.
According to Natural Stat Trick, opponents have scored five goals during Kesselring’s shifts since his return - the most of any Sabres player in that span. That’s not the kind of stat you want attached to your name, especially when trying to carve out a bigger role.
The good news? The Olympic break gives him a chance to finally get right.
Per recent reporting, Kesselring is battling a high ankle sprain - one of those nagging injuries that can linger long after a player returns to the ice. It would certainly explain why he hasn’t looked like the same player who showed flashes of promise last season in Utah.
The Sabres now have a 20-day window between games, with their next matchup set for February 25th against the New Jersey Devils. That’s a rare midseason gift - and one that could be crucial for Kesselring’s recovery.
The timing couldn’t be more important. The NHL Trade Deadline is fast approaching, and Buffalo’s front office will be watching closely.
If Kesselring can use this break to heal up and return with a stronger showing, he could still solidify his place in the lineup down the stretch. But if the struggles continue, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen may have no choice but to shift priorities - and that could mean looking outside the organization for defensive help.
Kesselring’s potential hasn’t disappeared. But the Sabres need more than potential right now - they need production.
This Olympic break gives him a rare opportunity to hit the reset button. The question is: can he take advantage of it?