---
title: "Griffins Add Defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker After Waiver Clear"
url: https://www.heregrandrapids.com/2026/10/19/griffins-add-defenseman-jacob-bernard-docker/
date: 2026-10-19T05:26:38-04:00
modified: 2026-10-19T05:26:38-04:00
author: "Ezra Vasquez"
categories: ["Sports"]
site: "HERE Grand Rapids"
attribution: "HERE Grand Rapids"
---

# Griffins Add Defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker After Waiver Clear

> DETROIT, Mich. — The Grand Rapids Griffins picked up an experienced defenseman Sunday when the Detroit Red Wings assigned Jacob Bernard-Docker to their AHL affiliate after he went unclaimed on waivers. Detroit put the 26-year-old on waivers Saturday as it tried to thin out a crowded group of defensemen. The recent trade for Andreas Englund

*Source: [HERE Grand Rapids](https://www.heregrandrapids.com/2026/10/19/griffins-add-defenseman-jacob-bernard-docker/) — October 19, 2026 by Ezra Vasquez*

DETROIT, Mich. — The Grand Rapids Griffins picked up an experienced defenseman Sunday when the Detroit Red Wings assigned Jacob Bernard-Docker to their AHL affiliate after he went unclaimed on waivers.

Detroit put the 26-year-old on waivers Saturday as it tried to thin out a crowded group of defensemen. The recent trade for Andreas Englund had left the NHL club with nine, more than teams like to carry.

Bernard-Docker played 63 games for Detroit last season, scoring once with four assists. He signed a two-year extension in March that pays an average of $1.6 million a year, and he opened this season hurt and had not yet appeared in a game.

His arrival shores up a Griffins blue line that lost Anton Johansson and William Wallinder to promotions in Detroit. Because his contract is one-way, he keeps drawing his NHL salary while playing in Grand Rapids, and he figures to be the first call-up if Detroit’s defense is hit by injuries.

In Detroit, the freed-up place is expected to go to J.T. Compher. The center has been sidelined since an upper-body injury suffered Oct. 4.