Defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker has secured his future with the Detroit Red Wings after agreeing to a two-year contract extension valued at $3.2 million. The new deal ensures he will remain with the franchise through the 2027–28 NHL season, signaling the organization’s confidence in his contributions since joining the team.
Bernard-Docker originally signed with Detroit as a free agent during the previous offseason, and his performance throughout the current campaign appears to have solidified his role within the team. Over the course of 55 games this season, the 25-year-old has recorded four assists, maintained a plus-5 rating, and averaged approximately 15 minutes of ice time per game—steady numbers that reflect his reliability on the blue line.
A native of Canmore, Alberta, Bernard-Docker is now in his sixth NHL season. He began his professional career with the Ottawa Senators, making his debut in 2021 following the conclusion of his collegiate career. Last season, he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, where he appeared in 15 games. However, after Buffalo chose not to extend a qualifying offer, he entered free agency, which ultimately led to his move to Detroit on a one-year, $875,000 contract. Under the terms of his new agreement, his salary will increase to $1.6 million starting next season.
Before turning professional, Bernard-Docker developed his game at the University of North Dakota (UND), where he played three seasons with the Fighting Hawks. During his collegiate career, he appeared in 95 games, scoring 15 goals and accumulating a total of 60 points. His strong defensive play earned him recognition as the National Collegiate Hockey Conference’s Defensive Defenseman of the Year for the 2020–21 season. He also played a key role in helping UND capture back-to-back Penrose Cups as regular-season champions in 2020 and 2021.
Looking ahead, Bernard-Docker is set to reach an important personal milestone, as he is expected to play in his 200th NHL regular-season game in an upcoming matchup against Buffalo. This achievement highlights both his durability and continued presence in the league as he further establishes himself as a dependable NHL defenseman.
