Jacob Bernard-Docker has officially signed a one-year, $875,000 contract with the Detroit Red Wings after becoming an unrestricted free agent when the Buffalo Sabres failed to extend a qualifying offer. The deal is a one-way contract, ensuring that his salary remains intact even if he is sent to the minors.

Previously with the Ottawa Senators, Bernard-Docker had a challenging season marred by injury, appearing in only 25 games with four points. His performance with the Sabres included 15 games where he contributed one goal and three points. Drafted in the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft, Bernard-Docker has accumulated a total of 144 NHL games over five seasons, primarily as a right-handed shooting defenseman.