Sixth Round: Edmonton Oilers draft defenceman Michael Kesselring 164th overall
By baggedmilk
5 years agoWith their fourth pick in the NHL Draft, the Edmonton Oilers selected defenceman Michael Kesselring the 164th overall pick.
After drafting a defenceman, centreman, and a goalie with their first three picks, I was interested in seeing where the Oilers were going to go next and whether or not they would move back up in the order considering they had no picks in the third, fourth, or fifth rounds. As it turns out, we waited until their 164th overall pick in the sixth round before they were back on the clock, and they used that spot to draft right-handed defenceman, Michael Kesselring.
Coming into the Draft, the NHL’s Central Scouting Service had Kesselring ranked 75th among eligible North American skaters. Kesselring is a big boy too. Listed at 6’4″ and 190 pounds, he’ll definitely have some room to fill out as he progresses in his career. Who knows what will happen with a guy like Michael Kesselring in the future, but you can’t help but like the idea of stocking the shelves with right-handed defencemen.
Kesselring split his 2017-18 season between New Hampton High School, where he scored 11 goals and 23 assists for 34 points in 38 games, and the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL where he registered two assists in 12 games.
WHO IS MICHAEL KESSELRING
When you get down to these lower rounds, it can be harder to find information on these prospects but I found a great interview with him over at Union Leader.com. Kesselring goes into his strengths, weaknesses, and plans for the future in a quick read that is definitely worth your time.
“In terms of my strengths, I move the puck and can get up into the play and create offense,” Michael said. “As far as things I still have to work on, I’m 6-4, so I still have to fill out my frame — stay in the gym. And as a bigger guy you always have to work on your skating.”Michael was born in South Carolina, but spent most of his younger days in Manchester. He collected 34 points in 38 games with New Hampton last season, and then played 12 games for Des Moines in the USHL. Casey said he expects his son to play a full season with Des Moines next season and then it will be on to college hockey.“He skates well for a big kid,” Casey said. “He’s good offensively — like (former Boston University defenseman) Tom Poti from my era. He’s not overly physical, but he’s smart and can get things going on the power play. “
PRE-DRAFT RANKINGS
Ranked #167 by HOCKEYPROSPECT.COM
Ranked #274 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Ranked #214 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #75 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
USHL STATS SO FAR
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | TP | PIM | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | New Hampton School | USHS-Prep | 36 | 3 | 4 | 7 | – | |
| 2015-16 | New Hampton School | USHS-Prep | 40 | 5 | 11 | 16 | – | |
| 2016-17 | New Hampton School | USHS-Prep | 30 | 8 | 20 | 28 | – | |
| New Hampshire Avalanche U16 | EJEPL 16U | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | ||
| 2017-18 | New Hampton School | USHS-Prep | 38 | 11 | 23 | 34 | 23 | |
| Des Moines Buccaneers | USHL | 12 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | -3 |
ARTICLE BROUGHT TO YOU BY SPORTS EXCELLENCE
Founded in 1950, Sports Excellence Corporation represents over 150 family-owned independent hockey retailers across Canada and the United States. Our highly knowledgeable hockey specialists are available to assist all your equipment needs. Find your closest Sports Excellence retailer here!
Recent articles from baggedmilk
