Jacob Bernard-Docker - NHL News & Rumors

Signs with Detroit Bernard-Docker signed a one-year, $875,000 with the Red Wings on Tuesday.

Impact Bernard-Docker wasn't tendered a qualifying offer from the Sabres on Monday, but it didn't take long for him to find a new home. The right-shot defenseman supplied two goals and eight points over 40 regular-season contests between Ottawa and Buffalo last season. The 25-year-old will likely have to compete with Justin Holl and Ian Mitchell for a spot on the third pairing in 2025-26.

JULY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Will hit open market Tuesday Bernard-Docker wasn't tendered a qualifying offer from the Sabres on Monday, according to Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald.

Impact After appearing in 25 regular-season games with Ottawa last season, Bernard-Docker was dealt to Buffalo at the trade deadline. He put up four points with each club, albeit in 10 fewer games with the Sabres. The 2018 first-round selection, No. 26 overall, will now be an unrestricted free agent, and he should have no problem finding a new home in a depth role for the 2025-26 campaign.

JUNE 30 • ROTOWIRE

Registers assist Thursday Bernard-Docker logged an assist, four shots on goal, two hits, two PIM and a plus-2 rating in Thursday's 5-4 win over the Flyers.

Impact The helper ended an 11-game point drought for Bernard-Docker. The 24-year-old defenseman lost a large chunk of his season to an ankle injury, which limited him to 40 games between the Sabres and the Senators. He picked up eight points, 32 shots on net, 30 hits, 50 blocked shots and a plus-5 rating. A first-round pick back in 2018, Bernard-Docker is running out of developmental runway -- it's quite possible his peak is that of a bottom-four defenseman who adds little on offense.

APRIL 18 • ROTOWIRE

Nets tying goal Bernard-Docker scored a goal and went plus-2 in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Senators.

Impact Bernard-Docker has three points over three games since he entered the Sabres' lineup. His quick success in a third-pairing role could make it tough for Jacob Bryson to see much playing time down the stretch. Bernard-Docker is already one point shy of matching his production over 25 contests with the Senators prior to the trade deadline. Overall, the defenseman has seven points, 20 shots, 27 blocks, 24 hits and a plus-4 rating over 28 appearances this season.

MARCH 26 • ROTOWIRE

Thompson scores go-ahead goal, Sabres coach Ruff reaches 600 career wins in 3-2 win over Senators

Tage Thompson scored the go-ahead goal 1:23 into the third period, and Lindy Ruff became the NHL’s second coach to win 600 games with one franchise in the Buffalo Sabres’ 3-2 win o...

MARCH 26 • Associated Press

Collects pair of helpers Bernard-Docker registered two assists, two hits and two blocked shots in Sunday's 5-3 win over the Jets.

Impact Bernard-Docker set up goals by JJ Peterka and Rasmus Dahlin. This was Bernard-Docker's second game as a Sabre after taking some time to get acclimated to his new team following a lengthy immigration process following his trade from the Senators. He's seeing bottom-four minutes for now, and he may have a tough time carving out a larger role given the talent on the Sabres' blue line. The 24-year-old has six points, 19 shots on net, 23 hits, 27 blocked shots and a plus-2 rating over 27 appearances in 2024-25.

MARCH 24 • ROTOWIRE

McLeod, Reimer lead Sabres to a 5-3 win over Western Conference-leading Jets

Ryan McLeod had a goal and three assists and James Reimer made 33 saves to lead the Buffalo Sabres to a 5-3 victory over the Western Conference-leading Winnipeg Jets

MARCH 23 • Associated Press

Attends practice Friday Bernard-Docker (not injury related) practiced for the first time with the Sabres on Friday, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News reports.

Impact Bernard-Docker's work visa issues have been resolved, allowing him to join his new team at practice. However, there's no guarantee he'll be in the lineup on a regular basis going forward. He could draw in for Jacob Bryson (upper body) in Saturday's matinee game versus the Golden Knights.

MARCH 14 • ROTOWIRE

Still not available Bernard-Docker (not injury related) won't play Wednesday versus the Red Wings, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News reports.

Impact Bernard-Docker is awaiting his work visa. The Sabres didn't hold a morning skate Wednesday, but he can't practice with the team until the immigration paperwork is completed. The Sabres' next game is Saturday against the Golden Knights.

MARCH 12 • ROTOWIRE

Remains unavailable Bernard-Docker (not injury related) won't be an option for Monday's matchup versus Edmonton, according to Heather Engel of NHL.com.

Impact Bernard-Docker will miss his second straight game because of work visa issues. Before being traded to the Sabres, the 24-year-old defender had one goal, three assists, 18 shots on net, 25 blocked shots and 21 hits in 25 appearances with Ottawa this season. Once he receives clearance to play, Bernard-Docker may compete with Jacob Bryson or Connor Clifton for a spot in the lineup.

MARCH 10 • ROTOWIRE

Yet to join team Bernard-Docker (not injury related) will not be available for Saturday's road matchup versus the Panthers, Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News reports.

Impact Bernard-Docker has yet to link up with the Sabres after being acquired in a trade along with Josh Norris from the Senators on Friday. Bernard-Docker hasn't suited up since Dec. 28, but once he's eligible to play, he could challenge Connor Clifton for playing time on the third pairing. Bernard-Docker's upside is limited -- he contributed just one goal and four points over 25 games with Ottawa earlier in the campaign.

MARCH 8 • ROTOWIRE

Shuffles off to Buffalo The Sabres acquired Bernard-Docker and Josh Norris from Ottawa for Dylan Cozens, Dennis Gilbert and a second-round pick in 2026 on Friday.

Impact Docker-Bernard last played Dec. 28 when he suffered a high-ankle sprain. He was taken off injured reserve Saturday and has been a healthy scratch the last three games. Bernard-Docker had a goal and four points in 25 appearances before the trade. He will likely be a third-pairing blueliner at best with the Sabres the rest of the season.

MARCH 7 • ROTOWIRE

Shuffles off to Buffalo The Sabres acquired Bernard-Docker and Josh Norris from Ottawa for Dylan Cozens, Dennis Gilbert and a second-round pick in 2026 on Friday.

MARCH 7 • ROTOWIRE

Activated but scratched Saturday Bernard-Docker (ankle) was removed from long-term injured reserve Saturday, per the NHL media site. He did not suit up in Saturday's 5-3 win over the Sharks.

Impact Bernard-Docker is presumably healthy again, but that doesn't guarantee him a spot in the lineup. The 24-year-old defenseman is likely to be stuck competing with Nikolas Matinpalo for a third-pairing spot. Bernard-Docker last played Dec. 28 versus the Jets, though his ankle sprain occurred in a Jan. 6 practice. With Jake Sanderson (neck) and Tyler Kleven (lower body) ailing, Bernard-Docker may be needed to play Monday against the Capitals.

MARCH 2 • ROTOWIRE

Shifts to LTIR Bernard-Docker (ankle) was transferred to long-term injured reserve Sunday, according to PuckPedia.

Impact Bernard-Docker suffered a high-ankle sprain in practice Jan. 6. In his stead, Nikolas Matinpalo has received consistent playing time. Bernard-Docker will be hard-pressed to earn a spot in the lineup once he returns to full strength -- Nick Jensen (undisclosed) is nearing a return and will most likely round out the club's six blueliners. Bernard-Docker has contributed one goal and three helpers across 25 appearances this campaign.

FEBRUARY 3 • ROTOWIRE

Placed on injured reserve Bernard-Docker (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Friday, per the NHL media site.

Impact Bernard-Docker was injured during practice Monday and had to be helped off the ice with a high-ankle sprain. The 24-year-old defenseman was replaced in the lineup by Nikolas Matinpalo on the third unit. Expect Bernard-Docker to be out until after the 4 Nation Face-Off tournament in February. Bernard-Docker had a goal and three assists in 25 appearances with the Senators before his injury.

JANUARY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Facing extended absence Bernard-Docker sustained a high-ankle sprain that is expected to keep him out long term, per TSN 1200 Ottawa on Tuesday.

Impact Bernard-Docker had to be helped off the ice when he was hurt during Monday's practice, so it shouldn't come as a surprise to see it was a significant injury. Considering the 24-year-old blueliner has just four points in 25 games this season and has never even reached the 15-point threshold, his absence is unlikely to impact the majority of fantasy players. Nikolas Matinpalo figures to replace Bernard-Docker in the lineup -- at least until Travis Hamonic (lower body) is ready to return.

JANUARY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Undergoing evaluation Bernard-Docker needed to be helped off the ice at practice Monday and is undergoing further evaluation, Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia reports.

Impact Bernard-Docker appeared to be headed for the press box for Tuesday's matchup with Detroit even prior to getting hurt, as Nikolas Matinpalo was skating on the third line. Still, if the 24-year-old Bernard-Docker can't play, the Sens may need to call up a player from the minors to at least serve as an emergency depth option.

JANUARY 6 • ROTOWIRE

Senators Defenseman Exits Practice with Lower-Body Injury Senators D Jacob Bernard-Docker exited Monday’s practice with a lower-body injury.

JANUARY 6 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Nets first goal of season Bernard-Docker scored a goal on two shots and went plus-2 in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Predators.

Impact Bernard-Docker opened the scoring at 5:07 of the second period. The 24-year-old defenseman has been trusted with more standard third-pairing minutes lately, though his ice time tends to be limited in closer contests. He's at four points, 15 shots on net, 19 blocked shots and a plus-3 rating over 16 appearances.

DECEMBER 8, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Tim Stützle, Linus Ullmark, Jacob Bernard-Docker, and Travis Green Postgame Media vs NSH

DECEMBER 8, 2024 • YOUTUBE

Senators' Jacob Bernard-Docker Picks Top Corner To Open Scoring vs. Predators

DECEMBER 8, 2024 • YOUTUBE

Supplies assist in loss Bernard-Docker recorded an assist in Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Kings.

Impact Bernard-Docker spent most of November as a healthy scratch, but he's played in four of the last five games. He's getting another look since Artem Zub (broken foot) is out well into December at a minimum. Still, Bernard-Docker is seeing limited ice time on the third pairing and next to nothing for power-play time. He has three assists, 12 shots on net, 19 blocked shots, 11 hits and a plus-1 rating over 13 appearances this season.

DECEMBER 1, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Jacob Bernard-Docker Pregame Media vs VGK | Ottawa Senators Jacob Bernard-Docker speaks to the media ahead of the Senators game against the Golden Knights

NOVEMBER 21, 2024 • NHL.COM

Records helper in win Bernard-Docker notched an assist and blocked two shots in Saturday's 3-0 win over the Kraken.

Impact This was Bernard-Docker's second helper through eight outings this season. He continues to see consistent third-pairing usage, and he bounced back with 14:45 of ice time Saturday after seeing just 8:06 in Friday's loss to the Rangers. Bernard-Docker has added eight shots on net, nine hits, 11 blocked shots and a plus-2 rating this season. His spot in the lineup appears to be safe until Artem Zub (concussion) is cleared to play again, but Bernard-Docker offers minimal upside in fantasy.

NOVEMBER 3, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

JACOB BERNARD-DOCKER NEWS

NEWS

BIO

STATS

VIDEOS

GAME LOG

INJURIES

Thompson scores go-ahead goal, Sabres coach Ruff reaches 600 career wins in 3-2 win over Senators

McLeod, Reimer lead Sabres to a 5-3 win over Western Conference-leading Jets