The Edmonton Oilers have announced a three-year entry-level contract for prospect Michael Kesselring. The deal will begin for the 2021-22 season, but Kesselring has signed an AHL contract with the Bakersfield Condors for the rest of this season.
Now 21, the 2018 sixth-round pick has spent the last two seasons at Northeastern University, racking up 13 points in 54 games. Though his offensive numbers aren’t eye-popping, the 6’4″ Kesselring actually has some strong scoring instincts and can jump into the play thanks to his above-average (if not excellent) skating ability. His skills defending the rush may be most polished though, as his long reach and quick feet can close a gap in an instant.
Still, there’s a long way to go if he wants to secure a full-time role in Edmonton. The young defenseman will get his first taste of professional hockey this spring and will have to adapt to the speed of the AHL game. In training camp for next season, he should be a player to watch, given how impressive he’s been in previous Oilers development camps.