The Detroit Red Wings are preparing to kick off the 2026-27 NHL regular season in just a few days, with a deadline looming Monday afternoon to submit their final roster that complies with salary cap requirements. Although defenseman Simon Edvinsson is still unsigned despite participating in Training Camp, the team has announced another defenseman’s absence for a different reason. Jacob Bernard-Docker, whom the Red Wings signed last offseason and extended for two years at $3.2 million, has been moved to Injured Reserve. This development increases the likelihood that young defenseman Anton Johansson, who performed well during camp and preseason, could secure a spot on the opening night roster. Meanwhile, the team recently added Andreas Englund, a 6-foot-4 defenseman, claiming him off waivers from Calgary.
Last season, Bernard-Docker played in 63 games, tallying one goal and four assists, along with 25 penalty minutes. Over his NHL career, which includes stints with Ottawa, Buffalo, and Detroit, he has appeared in 207 games, scored seven goals, provided 22 assists, accumulated 82 penalty minutes, and holds a net rating of minus-one.
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Fan Take: This roster shuffle highlights the competitive nature of NHL training camps and how injuries can open doors for young prospects like Johansson. For hockey fans, these developments build anticipation for the season and could signal a shift toward more opportunities for rising stars in Detroit’s lineup.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
