Michael Kesselring, a former Edmonton Oilers prospect, is flourishing on Utah’s blueline.

In the fast-paced world of professional hockey, it’s not uncommon for promising prospects to find their way to a different team after being drafted or signed by an NHL organization. Some players, even after impressing in the early stages of their careers, may struggle to break through to the NHL or find themselves caught in the ever-evolving dynamics of professional hockey rosters. However, for Michael Kesselring, a former Edmonton Oilers prospect, a change of scenery has led to a thriving career on the blueline for the Utah Grizzlies in the ECHL.

Kesselring’s journey is one that exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. Having been drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the 6th round of the 2018 NHL Draft, Kesselring was seen as an intriguing prospect with significant upside. His combination of size, speed, and offensive capabilities made him a standout on the Oilers’ organizational depth chart. However, his path to the NHL wasn’t a straight line, and after spending time with several teams in the Oilers’ system, he found himself in Utah, where he’s turned his game around and earned a reputation as one of the ECHL’s most promising defensemen.

In this article, we will explore Michael Kesselring’s career, his time with the Edmonton Oilers, his development into a top-tier blueliner in the ECHL, and how he is now flourishing on Utah’s defense.

The Early Years: Kesselring’s Beginnings and Path to the NHL

Michael Kesselring’s hockey journey began in his hometown of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, where he developed a passion for the sport at an early age. Standing at 6’3″ and known for his skating ability, Kesselring quickly gained attention as a potential future NHL prospect. His physical attributes, combined with his ability to contribute offensively, set him apart from other defensemen.

Before his draft into the NHL, Kesselring played for the Sioux Falls Stampede in the USHL, one of the top junior leagues in North America. During his time there, he developed his skills, refining his defensive game while also showcasing an ability to contribute offensively. His development caught the attention of scouts, and in 2018, the Edmonton Oilers selected him in the 6th round of the NHL Draft.

Being drafted by the Oilers was an exciting moment for Kesselring, but it was only the beginning of his journey. After being drafted, Kesselring continued to develop his game, moving on to play for Northeastern University in the NCAA. His time at Northeastern allowed him to continue building his hockey IQ, working on his positioning, and developing his overall defensive game. In his college years, he also added offensive production to his repertoire, becoming a reliable two-way defenseman.

Following his collegiate career, Kesselring spent a brief period in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors, the Oilers’ affiliate, where he had a chance to see the professional game at a higher level. However, despite his talent and potential, breaking into the NHL proved difficult. The Oilers had a crowded roster, and Kesselring found himself spending most of his time in the AHL and the ECHL on assignments.

Kesselring’s Time with the Edmonton Oilers Organization

Kesselring’s time with the Edmonton Oilers organization, while promising, was also full of challenges. The Oilers’ defensive corps was heavily populated with established NHL players, which made it difficult for a young defenseman like Kesselring to crack the lineup. The team’s roster was built around established veterans, and even as Kesselring showed flashes of potential, there was little opportunity for him to make a consistent impact at the highest level.

Throughout his time with the Bakersfield Condors and brief stints in the ECHL, Kesselring faced the dual challenges of adapting to the pro game and trying to distinguish himself in a crowded organization. He worked on improving his defensive positioning, making quicker decisions with the puck, and increasing his physicality to meet the demands of the AHL and ECHL.

Despite the hurdles, Kesselring showed promise. His ability to move the puck up the ice, contribute on the power play, and use his size effectively in his own zone was something that scouts and coaches took note of. But, with the Oilers’ organizational depth, Kesselring found himself in a position where he needed more playing time and opportunities to continue developing.

The Move to Utah: A New Opportunity

In the midst of his journey through the Oilers’ system, Michael Kesselring found himself facing a crossroads. While he had potential, the path to the NHL with the Oilers appeared to be blocked. However, instead of letting the uncertainty of his situation discourage him, Kesselring chose to embrace the opportunity that lay ahead with the Utah Grizzlies, an ECHL team affiliated with the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche.

The move to Utah marked a fresh start for Kesselring, where he was able to assume a more prominent role on the ice and showcase the full range of his abilities. With the Grizzlies, Kesselring was able to solidify his status as one of the top defensemen in the ECHL. The change of scenery allowed him to play more minutes, increase his ice time, and take on a leadership role within the team.

Kesselring’s combination of size, skating ability, and offensive instincts made him a key player for the Grizzlies’ blueline. He quickly became known as a two-way defender capable of contributing both in his own zone and on the offensive side of the puck. As the Grizzlies’ defensive anchor, Kesselring flourished, playing a key role in both 5-on-5 play and special teams.

Thriving on Utah’s Blueline: Key Attributes and Success

Kesselring’s play with the Utah Grizzlies has been nothing short of impressive. As one of the team’s most reliable defensemen, Kesselring has proven to be a workhorse on the blueline. His size—standing at 6’3″—gives him an advantage in battles along the boards and in front of the net. His physicality has made him a tough player to play against, and his skating ability allows him to cover large areas of the ice with ease. This combination of attributes has made Kesselring a difficult player to play against, and he has garnered praise for his leadership on the ice.

Defensively, Kesselring has honed his game over the years, making a marked improvement in his positioning and ability to shut down opposing forwards. His stickwork is solid, and he excels at breaking up plays in the defensive zone. He has become a player that the Grizzlies rely on to shut down key opponents, especially in crucial moments.

Offensively, Kesselring has continued to develop his game, becoming a two-way threat. His vision and hockey IQ allow him to make smart decisions with the puck and contribute to the attack. He has proven capable of jumping into the rush when needed, and he’s also become an important presence on the power play. His booming shot from the point has become a key asset for Utah, and he’s consistently among the team leaders in assists and points from the back end.

In addition to his physical attributes and skillset, Kesselring’s leadership has been a standout quality during his time with the Grizzlies. As one of the team’s most experienced players, he has embraced a mentorship role, guiding younger players and helping them adjust to the rigors of professional hockey. His leadership has made him a respected figure both on and off the ice, and his work ethic and commitment to improvement have inspired his teammates.

Looking Toward the Future: Kesselring’s Next Steps

Now, as Michael Kesselring continues to thrive with the Utah Grizzlies, the question becomes: what’s next for his career? While he has found a home in the ECHL, it’s clear that his talents may still be of interest to higher-level teams.

Kesselring is still an intriguing prospect. While his time with the Edmonton Oilers organization may have come to an end, his success with the Grizzlies has not gone unnoticed. With the right opportunity, he could once again earn a chance at an AHL or NHL call-up, depending on the needs of an organization. His skill set is versatile enough that he could be a valuable asset to an NHL team looking for a solid, reliable depth defenseman or someone who can contribute on the power play.

For Kesselring, the future is bright. He has turned his time with the Utah Grizzlies into a successful and fulfilling chapter in his career. With each game, he continues to build his reputation as one of the top defensemen in the ECHL, and his growth as a player has positioned him to potentially earn another shot in the AHL or NHL.

Moreover, the experience he’s gained in Utah has provided him with the tools to keep improving. Kesselring’s time with the Grizzlies is far from over, and he’s committed to continuing his growth as a player, working on areas of his game that will give him the best chance at an eventual return to the highest levels of hockey.