Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker scored his first goal for his new team against the team that didn’t want to pay him.

Playing his first game since signing a contract extension with the team, Bernard-Docker netted the goal that gave Detroit a 4-1 lead over the Buffalo Sabres on Friday. The Wings went on to win the game 5-2.

Bernard-Docker finished last season with the Sabres. He became an unrestricted free agent when the Sabres opted not to present him with a qualifying offer on July 1, 2025. The Red Wings swooped in and signed the defenseman to a one-year contract with an AAV of $875,000, barely above the NHL minimum of $775,000.

Detroit and the 25-year-old Bernard-Docker agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension with an AAV of $1.6 million on Wednesday.

“We’ve been talking for a little bit, so super happy to get it done,” Bernard-Docker said. “And now we can just really focus on the playoffs here.

It’s not surprising that Bernard-Docker would jump at Detroit’s offer. He nearly doubled his salary and was able to do so over multiple years. Not bad for a guy who was in and out of the lineup at his two previous NHL stops in Ottawa and Buffalo.

He’s played 56 games this season with the Red Wings. During the 2024-25 campaign, Bernard-Docker played 25 games for the Senators and 15 for the Sabres.

However, it was more than opportunity that was causing Bernard-Docker to embrace Detroit.

“I mean, I think the group is awesome,” Bernard-Docker said. “Coaching staff, you know, obviously management’s showing trust in me.

“It’s an honor, honestly, to put on the Red Wings jersey every day, and I’m super pumped for another two years.”

It Took Time For JBD To Find His Red Wings Footing

Bernard-Docker was a healthy scratch for 11 of Detroit’s first 21 games this season. Once Bernard-Docker found his way into the lineup, taking him out became problematic.

“When we went to a steady lineup, a steady rotation, and he felt like he wasn’t going to be in and out, he really settled in,” Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said.

“Doc’s biggest asset is just his simplicity. And he’s physically strong. He might not be six-six, but whatever he has is strong. And he wins a lot of tight battles, physical force-type battles, often against bigger players.”

McLellan also appreciates the yin and yang that’s developed in the club’s third defensive pairing between Bernard-Docker and Albert Johansson.

“Well, they both understand their strengths and weaknesses,” McLellan said. “I think that they complement each other in those avenues.

“Doc is heavy and strong,. Albert’s got good mobility, good escape skills when he’s under pressure, and some good vision up ice.

“So between the two of them, they play well together.”