Jacob Bernard-Docker: Before Detroit
As with new Detroit Red Wings prospect Carter Bear, Jacob Bernard-Docker was selected in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft. The Ottawa Senators selected the right shot defenseman 26th overall in 2018. Overall, there was a lot to like about JBD.
A 2018 pre draft write up from “The Hockey Writers” had this to say:
He’s a very good offensive player, boasting strong situational awareness, good hockey sense, high-end mobility and a cannon of a slap shot from the point. “
JBD’s skating, offense and anticipation garnered high praise. Later, the accolades continued in his early career after the draft.
Post Draft career in the NCAA
JBD spent three seasons at the University of North Dakota. Meanwhile, his strongest performance came in the second year with 25 points (7G, 18A) in 32 games. His game, offensively, was strong on both sides of the ice.
The 6’0 right shot defender could wrist a shot far side from the top of the ice on his strong side. Often, you could also find him on his off side during a power play, shooting from above the faceoff dot. Bernard-Docker has good vision and doesn’t have to clean the puck off to get it quickly on net.
Subsequently, after his third season, it was time to join the Senators. JBD played 5 games at the end of the 2020/21 season. The next two seasons saw time split between the AHL and the NHL. Later, Bernard-Docker played a 72-game season in the NHL.
Bernard-Docker’s NHL game: What it means for Detroit
Adjectives like “Gritty” are being used to describe Bernard-Docker now. Combined with his age and skating ability, the opportunity in Detroit could be wide open. Moreover, in a season where injuries could come into play, it may not be a stretch to see JBD garnering important minutes in Detroit.
This signing for the Red Wings may well represent the greatest potential gain. It wouldn’t be out of the question to see Bernard-Docker skating with Simon Edvinsson in the pre season. His off-puck commitment has improved during his NHL journey. However, it’s been a work in progress for much of this career to date.
Primarily, JBD needs to stay healthy. Additionally, he needs to find his identity as an NHL defenseman. Thus far, his offensive contributions (and opportunities) have been most. Defensively, he’s not a shutdown defender. He has puck-moving upside but needs greater consistency. Overall, the tools are there but the results need to follow.
For the Red Wings to succeed, the roster needs to see break out performances from young players. This may be an opportunity for JBD to increase his stock as a top 4 defenseman in the NHL. He may end up being Detroit’s most exciting acquisition for the coming season. Meanwhile, at age 25, it’s time for the player to make his move.
I like this signing. A pretty good under-the-radar type that could really pay-off I like his game quite a bit. How do you think they’ll play him? More defensive minded or go more with his offensive abilities? I think his shot could be okay on the power play too. Just my thoughts, but I’m pretty excited by this signing.
Hey Jeremy, I would really like to know what you think of Jonatan Berggren this coming season. I’m hoping he picks up his game. I have a soft spot for the guy, I don’t know why.
Glad to see you over here!
Thanks for stopping by! I do think it’s wide open for JBD. All of his pre draft info focused on his offense and skating. He has a good shot. Seeing that he’s added physicality/shot blocking in the past several years is promising. Coach McLellan did a good job with letting players tell him what they were ready for. Kasper got moved to 2nd line center and thrived. I think the lineup will see a lot of swapping around with the crazy schedule, so JBD could see 2nd unit power play, pk and if he makes the most of those opportunities everyone benefits.
I actually was able to message with some of Berggren’s group. His utilization is going to be key to his success. He had a few goals last season where he was wide open in the neutral zone, took the puck behind the D and walked in. He can shoot and make hay with some open ice. The team in the past has pushed everyone to be a 200 ft player. That’s not everyone’s game, and they need goals. Definitely rooting for JB to grab a spot and glad he gets another shot. He’s one of the last guys left from Holland (along with Larkin and Rasmussen). Veleno was shipped out and they were part of a draft class that had a lot of excitement with it.
Hey, Jeremy! Hope the posting issues have been fixed ????????
This is going to be a tough year, I think. Having Gibson will help move forward, but there are too many gaps for us to be a serious SCF threat. And, honestly, I’m 2d-guessing SCPO. Unfortunately. We’re always seemingly behind a good move that would move the needle (e.g., Dobson, etc…). For whatever reason, just can’t pull the trigger. Some may say it’s the high asking price or some such. The Captain’s right for keeping Kasper, Danielson, etc… but we do NOT have the assets in the “A”, ECHL, nor Europe to make a serious push. We have some really talented kids, no doubt, but not enought to flip the script.
Docker may be one of those moves where 2yrs from now we’re all wondering how such a stud came to us. I think he’s good, for sure. And he’s got room to grow into this team. He may end up being a 2d line guy, and I’d not be surprised one bit. Excited to see how he does with us ????????????
So good to see you, Mike! So, I think we’re on the same page here. Without players exceeding expectation, the team did little to upgrade the roster. Gibson can for certain boost the net minding issues. Van Riemsdyk could be a bit like Perron was during his stint for the power play. JBD is an intriguing possibility on D. He’s become more physical post draft than his initial projections. He has good vision and a good shot. This is one of the players that could bring that return you mentioned for sure. Without multiple surprises like that, i.e. – Kasper breaks 25 goals, Edvinsson continues to improve on last season, maybe ASP breaks in and contributes on the power play, Lombardi(?), MBN(?) etc. unless Yzerman pulls off a deal for a top 6 forward or top 4 dman during the summer the success of this year is going to count on an unknown. That doesn’t feel like the team has an active control of their destiny, but a “hoped for” net positive result for sure. Solid take as always brother.
JBD could not stick with 2 mushy middle teams and now is on a 3rd mushy middle team with a yet another porous defense. The only reason he might stick because his new team has an even worse defense corps than the first two!
Move along, nothing to see here.