Methods and devices for management of fluids during skin graft transplantation are disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, absorbent substrates for transplanting skin grafts are disclosed having a surface adapted to contact at least one excised skin graft and engage said graft for removal from a donor site; a sealing member at least partially surrounding an absorbent material disposed within the enclosure; wherein at least a portion of the skin-contacting surface is porous and in fluid communication with the absorbent layer to capture fluids.