Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker cleared waivers Sunday and was sent to the Grand Rapids Griffins, prompting fans to wonder if the move was tied to the Simon Edvinsson contract negotiations.
But there is no evidence, or even buzz, that a Red Wings signing of Edvinsson is imminent.
The reason JBN is headed to the American Hockey League is Detroit’s crowded defense. The recent acquisition of Andreas Englund gave Detroit nine defensemen. NHL teams prefer to have eight defensemen, sometimes even seven.
What that means when or if Edvinsson re-signs, someone else has to go down. Rookie William Wallinder is no longer waiver exempt, but Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Anton Johansson would not have to go through waivers.
All we know about Edvinsson is Interim GM Shawn Horcoff has said he has no intention in trading him and the Red Wings are trying to re-sign him. He has returned to the U.S. and is working out on the East Coast.
Bernard-Docker started this season on the injured list and hasn’t played any games since getting healthy. Last season, he played 63 games. He played well enough that former GM Steve Yzerman gave him a two-year deal worth $1.6 million per season.
According to Puckpedia.com, his contract is a one-way deal, meaning Bernard-Docker will receive his NHL salary while playing for the Griffins.
Horcoff has indicated that he wants to give Detroit’s younger players an opportunity to show what they can do. The infusion of younger players on rosters has been trendy in the NHL for the last several years.
This probably isn’t the end of Bernard-Docker’s Detroit career. If the Red Wings run into injuries on the blueline, Bernard-Docker is the likely call-up. Coach Todd McLellan showed confidence in him last season.
Kevin has written professionally for almost 50 years. He was USA TODAY’s lead hockey writer from 1986 to 2019. … More about Kevin Allen