OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators have signed defenceman Jacob Bernard-Docker to a three-year entry-level contract.
Following a quarantine period, Bernard-Docker will report to the Senators.
Bernard-Docker's University of North Dakota team was eliminated from the NCAA tournament last weekend with a five-overtime loss, clearing the way for him to continue his career with the Senators.
A first-round pick (26th overall) in the 2018 NHL draft, Bernard-Docker had three goals and 15 assists in 27 games with North Dakota this season.
The native of Canmore, Alta., was named the National Collegiate Hockey Conference's defensive defenceman of the year this season.
Bernard-Docker also helped Canada win gold at the world junior championship last year.
"Jacob represents another key component of our future," Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said in a statement. "He’s very mature for his age and already possesses great gap and stick detail within his game. He’s an exemplary leader and a winner who we’re looking forward to seeing in our lineup."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 1, 2021.
The Canadian Press