Buffalo Sabres Acquire Josh Doan, Michael Kesselring to End 14-Year Playoff Drought

The Buffalo Sabres have acquired forward Josh Doan and defenseman Michael Kesselring from the Utah Mammoth in a trade that sent promising forward JJ Peterka to Utah. Both Doan and Kesselring expressed eagerness to contribute to turning the Sabres into a contender, acknowledging the team's 14-season playoff drought and the need for a few key pieces to improve. Doan, the son of former NHL player Shane Doan, and Kesselring, a 6'5" right-handed defenseman, bring a physical style of play and a strong desire to succeed, with both players emphasizing their readiness to help the team progress. The duo, who were roommates in Utah, highlighted the positive direction the Sabres are headed and their excitement to be part of the solution alongside star players like Tage Thompson. This trade is part of the Sabres' broader effort under GM Kevyn Adams to revamp the roster ahead of the NHL Draft, where Buffalo holds the ninth overall pick. The move reflects the organization's commitment to building a winning team and ending its historic playoff drought.