Red Wings lose Bernard-Docker day-to-day as Larkin remains sidelined

The Detroit Red Wings are facing a pair of injury concerns as training camp winds down. On Friday, head coach Todd McLellan told reporters that defenceman Jacob Bernard-Docker has sustained an upper-body injury and is considered day-to-day. McLellan also confirmed that forward Dylan Larkin will not dress for the team’s final preseason game because he is recovering from an upper-body issue of his own.

Bernard-Docker hurt after earning bigger role in Detroit

Bernard-Docker has appeared in two of Detroit’s first three exhibition contests, going pointless in outings against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday and the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday. Despite the lack of offence, he logged significant minutes, averaging comfortably above 20 minutes per night during those games. McLellan did not disclose when or how the 26-year-old was injured before Friday’s update on his status.

The right-shot blueliner arrived at camp in a good position after a solid 2025–26 season. Playing on a one-year deal, he did enough to earn a two-year contract extension carrying a $1.6 million average annual value through the 2027–28 campaign. Last season, Bernard-Docker suited up for 63 games, recording one goal and five points, an even plus-minus rating and under 15 minutes of average ice time.

Larkin’s uncertain situation continues with no preseason games

Larkin, the former captain in Detroit, will be absent when the Red Wings close out their preseason schedule Saturday against Columbus. As a result, he will reach the regular season without having played a single exhibition game while managing his upper-body injury. The timing adds another layer to an already complicated off-season for the Michigan native.

Earlier this summer, Larkin requested a trade from the only NHL organization he has played for, drawing considerable attention around the league. Reports indicate that the list of teams he would consider has expanded, but Detroit has not yet been able to finalize a move. If the No. 71 centre is still in the lineup when the puck drops on the new campaign, it sets up the possibility of an awkward return given his trade request and lack of preseason action.

The Red Wings are scheduled to open their regular season on Oct. 2 against the New York Rangers. The health of Bernard-Docker and Larkin will be closely monitored in the coming days as McLellan and his staff determine what their defence pairings and forward lines will look like for opening night.