Michael Kesselring

January 2024- Since being acquired by the Coyotes close to the 2023 NHL trade deadline, Kesselring has made a serious name for himself in the Arizona organization.

Michael’s dad, Casey Kesselring, played professional hockey in the ECHL for many years. Michael was actually born in South Carolina during his father’s playing career. Casey got into coaching in 2003 and has served as a minor, high school and junior head coach since. Michael was coached by his father during his high school tenure at New Hampton School in New Hampshire. At the conclusion of his senior year of high school, Kesselring finished the campaign off with Des Moines of the USHL and was drafted by Edmonton that summer during the 2018 draft, in the sixth round, 164th overall. Despite playing mostly in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council up to and including his draft year, not exactly a heavily scouted league, Kesselring’s physical attributes (6-5) and strong hockey sense stood out. Committed to Northeastern, he played one more year in the USHL before two campaigns in college for the Huskies. Much like his time at Northeastern, with Bakersfield at the pro level, he played more of a defensive defenseman style. During his third year of pro though, Kesselring started to show more offense, scoring 13 goals and 22 points in 49 games before being traded to Arizona along with a third-round pick for Nick Bjugstad and Cam Dineen on March 2, 2023. He was immediately recalled to the NHL and appeared in nine games for Arizona to finish off the year, racking up three assists.

He has continued to exceed expectations with Arizona. While in the past Kesselring was told to be just a big defensive defenseman, he’s been pushed to play a more offense and his confidence has continued to rise. At four goals and 10 points in 23 games this year, Kesselring has been an impressive surprise. Keith Duggan