The Detroit Red Wings made a surprising under-the-radar pickup in July when they brought in Jacob Bernard-Docker. And I say surprising because I was convinced he'd be at least part of the Buffalo Sabres plans, but it looks like the Blue and Gold wanted to look elsewhere for help on the third pairing.
So, Steve Yzerman stepped in and signed Bernard-Docker to a prove-it deal. And it wouldn't surprise me an iota if he proves it, despite his limited sample size with the Sabres and earlier, the Ottawa Senators.
Bernard-Docker's a favorite to land a spot on the third pairing as a full-timer, and given his age, he'll fit into the Yzerplan if he more than holds his own. You may look at Bernard-Docker's body of work and be unimpressed, so what makes me say he could be the surprise player this season?
Jacob Bernard-Docker has a small but encouraging sample size
Bernard-Docker's got just one full season under him, and that occurred in 2023-24 when he played in 72 contests, logging 14 points and four goals. But he got in front of 162 would-be shots on goal, landed 62 hits, and ended with a minus-7 rating.
But here's why I like Bernard-Docker: He can be a two-way player, something he showed when he put up four points and a goal in Buffalo during a 15-game stint. He landed 25 blocked shots in that frame, and if the Red Wings want to win more than they did last season, they need more skaters helping out their goaltenders and Bernard-Docker looks ready and willing.
While he didn't show it last season, Bernard-Docker also looks like a viable force on the penalty kill, which he saw 105.0 minutes of ice time on in 2023-24. And right now, the Red Wings need to consider anyone with experience on the PK for a role this season, thanks to how bad it was last year.
Bernard-Docker could set new career highs with the Detroit Red Wings
There are very few reasons to get excited over the Wings blue line outside of Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson, and Albert Johansson. Bernard-Docker may've been no more than a fringe blueliner for most of his career, but the 25-year-old's shown enough flashes to be a staple in this lineup.
And he's a better long-term option than Travis Hamonic, Ben Chiarot, Justin Holl, and Erik Gustafsson, given their age and lack of upside. So, should Bernard-Docker hit the ground running in Detroit, expect more ice time, production, and defensive zone impact than he snagged in Ottawa or Buffalo.
He's not a top-four player, but he may evolve into someone you want on your favorite team's blue line when opponents are enjoying a strong evening in the offensive zone. Bernard-Docker's a shot blocker, and one who can help in the offensive zone when he's given an opportunity.