DETROIT — Jacob Bernard-Docker signed with the Detroit Red Wings as a free agent last summer.
Apparently, the Red Wings like what they’ve seen.
Bernard-Docker signed a two-year extension with the Red Wings this week, taking him through the 2027-28 season. His contract is worth $3.2 million.
Bernard-Docker has played in 55 games for Detroit this season, tallying four assists, a plus-5 rating and averaging 15:00 of ice time per game.
The Canmore, Alta., product is in his sixth NHL season.
He debuted with the Ottawa Senators in 2021 after his junior season at UND ended.
Bernard-Docker, 25, was traded from Ottawa to Buffalo last season. He played 15 games for the Sabres, who did not send him a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Bernard-Docker signed a one-year, $875,000 contract with Detroit for this season. That will jump to $1.6 million next season, when his new contract begins.
Bernard-Docker came to UND in 2018 from the Okotoks Oilers in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
He played three seasons for the Fighting Hawks, suiting up in 95 games. He tallied 15 goals and 60 points. The first-round, No. 26 overall draft pick of the Senators was named the National Collegiate Hockey Conference’s Defensive Defenseman of the Year in 2020-21.
Bernard-Docker helped the Fighting Hawks win back-to-back Penrose Cups as NCHC regular-season champions in 2020 and 2021.
Bernard-Docker is scheduled to play in his 200th NHL regular-season game on Friday against Buffalo.
Ottawa Senators right wing Drake Batherson (19) and Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker (25) chase a puck during the first period at Canadian Tire Centre on Feb. 26, 2026.
Keito Newman / Imagn Images
Schlossman has covered college hockey for the Grand Forks Herald since 2005. He has been recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors as the top beat writer for the Herald’s circulation division four times and the North Dakota sportswriter of the year twice. He resides in Grand Forks. Reach him at bschlossman@gfherald.com.