Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman has faced his fair share of criticism in recent years, especially regarding his moves on Detroit’s blueline.
After trading away strong defensemen Jake Walman and Olli Maatta for essentially nothing and failing to resign Shayne Gostisbehere last offseason, the Red Wings were forced to trot out an aging Ben Chiarot, young Albert Johansson, and severely underperforming Justin Holl and Erik Gustafsson to complement Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson.
The results? In 2024-25, the Red Wings were one of the worst defensive teams in the league, featuring the worst penalty kill in the National Hockey League (NHL) at 70.1%.
Because of the putrid performance, Yzerman was expected to make sweeping changes around Seider and Edvinsson this offseason, but his moves left fans clamoring for more. Detroit failed to bring in any top-end talent; instead, they signed the likes of Ian Mitchell and Travis Hamonic to improve the team’s depth.
As has been the case throughout the ‘Yzerplan,’ the GM is putting all his faith in the farm system. Rather than making a blockbuster trade or lucrative free agency signing, Yzerman believes players like Johansson will continue to develop, and prospects like Axel Sandin-Pellikka will be worth the wait.
However, fans are tired of waiting and want the Wings’ near-decade playoff drought to end this year. This is why it is worth highlighting Yzerman’s other defensive acquisition: Jacob Bernard-Docker, who can bring the immediate impact Detroit needs.
Jacob Bernard-Docker boasts a strong defensive profile and potential offensive upside that will slide nicely into the Detroit lineup
Bernard-Docker comes to Detroit after spending four and a half seasons with the Ottawa Senators and the second half of last year with the Buffalo Sabres.
Turning 25 in June, JBD is still a young player and has only played one full season in the NHL (72 games in 2023-24), but his youth aligns nicely with Detroit’s timeline.
His offensive profile leaves a lot to be desired, as he only scored 14 points in his full 2023-24 season. It is worth noting that he had four points during his brief 15-game stint with the Sabres in an expanded role. He was not setting the world on fire in Buffalo by any means, but it shows that his game may have at least a bit more offense.
JBD’s real value comes in his defense. He is strong with his stick, blocks shots, and brings a physical presence, something Detroit severely lacked in 2024-25. Despite playing for a bad Sabres team, he finished as a +3 during his Buffalo tenure, proving his ability to limit opposing scoring while on the ice.
Additionally, Bernard-Docker has been a strong penalty killer at the NHL level, so he will hopefully improve Detroit’s league-worst unit from a year ago.
The adage “defense is the best offense” applies to JBD as well.
In Buffalo, Bernard-Docker was paired with former number one overall pick, Owen Power. JBD’s strong defensive play made up for Power’s defensive deficiencies and allowed the young star to take more chances in the offensive zone. The two were a terrific pairing, which is why some in Buffalo were disappointed to see Bernard-Docker leave, since he helped Power reach more of his potential.
Bernard-Docker could easily have the same impact in Detroit. For several seasons, Wings fans have wanted Seider and Edvinsson to showcase their offensive skills more. However, both have had to devote all their energy to the defensive end to compensate for the poor supporting cast around them.
Now, if you pair JBD with Seider or Edvinsson, it would allow them to take more risks and produce more offensively.
Can Jacob Bernard-Docker shock fans in 2025-26?
There are no Norris Trophies in Bernard-Docker’s future, and it would be great to see Yzerman continue to add talent to the blue line. Still, JBD checks a lot of the defensive boxes Detroit was missing last season, and has proven he can contribute offensively in ways outside of point production.
At only $875,000 AAV, Bernard-Docker may just be the dark horse breakout candidate that the Red Wings' blueline desperately needs.