Bernard-Docker ‘really excited’ to finalize new two-year deal with Red Wings

DETROIT – Ensuring a steady and physical piece on their blue line will stick around a little longer, the Detroit Red Wings announced they re-signed Jacob Bernard-Docker to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $1.6 million on Wednesday evening.

“It was a no-brainer for me,” Bernard-Docker said regarding his new multi-year pact with Detroit following Thursday afternoon’s practice at Little Caesars Arena’s BELFOR Training Center. “I’ve loved playing here this year and love the group here. I feel super comfortable, so I’m really excited to get that done.”

Through his first 55 games donning the Winged Wheel, Bernard-Docker has recorded four assists and a plus-5 rating while averaging 15:00 of ice time. In the eyes of Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan, the 25-year-old defenseman is a great example of a player proving himself and earning trust from the coaching staff.  

“Dock had a tough start,” McLellan acknowledged. “Part of that start is his doing and the other half of it is us trying to figure out a way to get confident in him. When we went to a steady rotation, he felt like he wasn’t going to be in and out, and he really settled in. Dock’s biggest asset is just his simplicity. He’s physically strong. He might not be 6’6”, but whatever he has is strong. He wins a lot of, both him and Albert in that pair, a lot of tight battles often against bigger players. So, he’s been good for us. Good penalty killer, too.”

McLellan added that he feels the duo of Bernard-Docker and Johansson – they’ve been together the past eight games – complement each other well.

“Dock is heavy and strong, and Albert’s got good mobility, good escape skills when he’s under pressure and some good vision up ice,” McLellan said. “So, between the two of them, they play well together.”

The second blueliner to ink a new deal with Detroit amid its Centennial campaign after Ben Chiarot put pen to paper on a three-year pact on Jan. 28, Bernard-Docker said his approach is centered on consistency and sticking to the small details that make a big difference.

“For me, it’s just trying to play solid and the best version of my game that I can be every game,” said Bernard-Docker, who has appeared in each of the club’s last 34 contests. “Just solid defensively, moving pucks, being hard to play against. Those are kind of my core values as a player, so I just try to bring that.”

The former first-round pick (No. 26 overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft has totaled 28 points (six goals, 22 assists) in 199 career games with the Ottawa Senators, Buffalo Sabres and Red Wings since 2020-21. The Canmore, Alta., native initially joined Detroit, his first Original Six club, as a free agent on July 1.

“There’s so much history here,” Bernard-Docker said. “It’s just really an honor to put on the jersey every night, and happy to do it for two more years. Really excited for the next 11 games and to try to get into the playoffs.”